Maldives has won the World's Leading Destination award for the sixth time at the World Travel Awards.

Only Dubai and Maldives have won this title six times in the 19-year history of the prestigious global award.

In addition to winning the award six times, the Maldives also holds the record for winning the award for consecutive years.

Maldives also won the World's Leading Green Destination Award for the second consecutive year.

Seaplane operator Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA), Hulhule Island Hotel (HIH) and three resorts were honoured during the awards.

• Leading Airport Resort - HIH
• Leading Luxury Private Island Resort - Waldorf Astoria Maldives, Ithaafushi
• Leading Private Island Resort - Vakkaru Maldives
• Leading Water Villa Resort - Emerald Resort & Spa
• Leading Seaplane Operator - TMA

In addition to winning the world ranking, Maldives and its resorts continue to receive many awards at the regional level.

More than 2.2 million tourists are expected to visit the Maldives by the end of this year. Six new resorts and many guesthouses began operations during the year.