The Maldives has been honoured with the Bronze award in the World’s Most Desirable Island(s) category at the Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards 2025, reaffirming its enduring appeal to travellers worldwide—especially within the UK market.
The accolade was accepted by Ibrahim Shiuree, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Visit Maldives Corporation (VMC), during a ceremony held on 5 November 2025 at London’s National Gallery. The prestigious event brought together leading figures from across the international travel industry to celebrate outstanding destinations, tour operators, and airlines that embody excellence and inspire responsible travel experiences.
This year’s Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards attracted a record 208,000 participants, who collectively cast an impressive 4.8 million votes to determine the winners across 22 categories. The results highlight genuine traveller sentiment, reflecting the enduring admiration seasoned explorers hold for the Maldives as one of the world’s most coveted 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 recognitions in global tourism. The 2025 ceremony was hosted by British presenter, author, and adventurer Simon Reeve, and organised in partnership with Visit Oman, underscoring Wanderlust’s commitment to celebrating meaningful and sustainable travel experiences.