Maldives has defended its "World's Leading Destination Award" for the fifth time at the World Travel Awards.

Tourism Minister Ibrahim Faisal accepted the award at a ceremony held in Portugal.

In a post on X, Faisal said the achievement reflects the dedication and hard work of everyone in the tourism industry.

Maldives also won the World's Leading Green Destination Award. Faisal said the award is "a new milestone in our journey toward sustainability."

The World Travel Awards is the most prestigious award in the global travel industry since 1993. Awards are given in regional and global categories.

UAE has been named the World's Leading Destination Award six times while the Maldives has won the award five times in a row.