Secret Paradise Maldives has announced that its co-founder, Ruth Franklin, has received the Regenerative Travel Pioneer Award at the 2026 Inspiring Women in Travel Asia (IWTA) Awards, held at the Conrad Bangkok on 14 October 2026.
The Inspiring Women in Travel Asia Awards celebrate female leaders driving positive environmental, social and regenerative change across the travel and tourism industry in Asia. The Regenerative Travel Pioneer Award recognises those placing communities, culture and conservation at the heart of tourism.
Since co-founding Secret Paradise Maldives in 2012, Ruth has championed a different approach to experiencing the Maldives, moving beyond the traditional resort holiday to create meaningful connections between visitors, local communities and the natural environment.
Through locally led experiences, Secret Paradise Maldives works to ensure that tourism spend remains within the Maldives, supporting local businesses, NGOs and communities. Its approach places particular emphasis on responsible travel, marine conservation, cultural understanding and creating opportunities for Maldivians to share their knowledge, traditions and way of life.
On receiving the award, Ruth Franklin said: “I’m incredibly honoured to receive this recognition. While the award may have my name on it, it represents the collective efforts of the entire Secret Paradise team, our local partners and the many NGOs and community members we work alongside.
Since establishing Secret Paradise, our aim has always been to demonstrate that travel can be a force for good, creating meaningful experiences for visitors while supporting local livelihoods, celebrating Maldivian culture and helping protect the incredible natural environment we are so fortunate to call home. This award is recognition of everyone’s contribution to that journey.”
About Secret Paradise Maldives
Secret Paradise Maldives is a locally owned positive impact tour company specialising in authentic island experiences, marine conservation, educational travel and community-based tourism. Since 2012, the company has worked with local communities and conservation partners to promote sustainable tourism in the Maldives, creating experiences that support people, protect the environment and celebrate Maldivian culture.
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