The Maldives has earned the Bronze award in the World’s Most Desirable Island(s) category at the Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards 2025, reaffirming its timeless allure among global travellers—particularly within the UK market.
The award was accepted by Ibrahim Shiuree, CEO and Managing Director of Visit Maldives Corporation (VMC), at a ceremony held at London’s National Gallery on 5 November 2025. The prestigious event gathered leading figures from the global travel industry to celebrate excellence across 22 categories, recognising destinations, tour operators, and airlines that champion meaningful and sustainable travel experiences.
This year’s awards saw participation from 208,000 readers, who collectively cast 4.8 million votes to determine the winners. The results reflect the authentic experiences and preferences of passionate travellers who continue to rank the Maldives among the world’s most desirable destinations.
“We are honoured to see the Maldives recognised once again by the readers of Wanderlust,” said Ibrahim Shiuree, CEO and Managing Director of Visit Maldives Corporation. “This recognition underscores the strong connection between the Maldives and British travellers, who continue to view our islands as a sanctuary of natural beauty, culture, and authentic experiences.”
Now in its 24th edition, the Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards remain one of the most respected honours in the global travel industry. The 2025 ceremony, hosted by British presenter and adventurer Simon Reeve in partnership with Visit Oman, celebrated the enduring influence of Wanderlust’s dedicated readership in shaping global travel trends.
