The Maldives has been awarded the “World’s Leading Dive Destination” and “Indian Ocean’s Leading Destination” at the World Travel Awards 2006.

The Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation Dr. Mahamood Shougee accepted the Awards on behalf of the Maldivian tourism industry at this year’s World Travel Awards held at the Beaches in Turks & Caicos on 20th September.

In addition, in the Regional category Hilton Maldives Resort and Spa won the “Indian Ocean’s Leading Resort” award and Soneva Gili Resort and Spa won the “Indian Ocean’s Leading Spa Resort” award.

In the national category of World Travel Awards, Coco Palm Resort and Spa won the “Maldives’ Leading Hotel” award; Soneva Fushi Resort and Spa won the “Maldives’ Leading Resort” award and Hilton Maldives Resort and Spa won the “Maldives Leading Resort Award”.

The Maldives received these prestigious awards after receiving the highest number of votes in the respective categories among thousands of online voters from travel agencies in over 200 countries worldwide.

The World Travel Awards has become the Oscar equivalent of the global tourism industry since its establishment in 1993. This distinguished endorsement of the Maldivian tourism product by the World Travel Awards further accentuates the uniqueness of the Maldives a destination consisting of 1,190 natural coral islands, unspoiled white sandy beaches, and pristine waters of all hues of blue.

SriLankan Airlines and Maldives tourism board gave Mumbai a taste of a night at the islands..

SriLankan Airlines ties up with Maldives to promote tourism August 31, 2006: SriLankan Airlines(UL) and the Maldivian Tourism Board (MTPB) hosted a night that witnessed the cultural grandeur of the two gorgeous islands Sri Lanka and the Malidves at the J W Marriott.

Mr. Barry Brown - Head of Commercial UL and Chandana Desilva, Head of Communication UL, along with Mr. Mahmood Shaugee from MTPB were seen playing the gracious hosts to the evening.

Maldives is a world renowned holiday destination with pristine beaches and exotic natural beauty that will be more accessible through SriLankan Airlines which the largest foreign carrier flying 15 times a week.

By: Kkomal Seth & Gautam Seth