The South Asian Travel Awards (SATA), the region’s most prestigious platform celebrating excellence in travel, tourism, and hospitality, marked its 9th edition with a spectacular Grand Gala hosted at the Cinnamon Grand Colombo.
This year’s gala brought together distinguished guests, eminent tourism authorities, esteemed partners, and industry leaders from across the region. Against the vibrant backdrop of Sri Lanka’s culture and heritage, the evening celebrated South Asia’s collective spirit of hospitality and innovation.
In a night of recognition and inspiration, 53 Gold Award winners and 113 Silver Award winners were honored across diverse categories, showcasing the very best of Sri Lanka, India, Maldives, Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh. The winners embody not only service excellence and innovation but also the resilience and unity that continue to elevate South Asia’s tourism industry to global prominence.
Since its inception in 2016, SATA has grown into one of the most influential brands in the region, endorsed by leading regional and international tourism bodies. The awards program continues to serve as a platform for nations to come together, not in competition, but in celebration of shared triumphs and brilliance.
A key highlight of the evening was the conferral of the SATA – Faces of South Asia, a tribute to visionary leaders whose lifelong contributions have shaped the region’s tourism and hospitality landscape. This year’s honorees were:
- Nandini Lahe-Thapa – Retired Senior Director, Nepal Tourism Board, Nepal
- Jyoti Mayal – Former President, Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI), India
- Mohamed Waheeduddeen – Chairman, Bandos Island Resort, Republic of Maldives
- Deshamanya D. Harry S. Jayawardena – Chairman Emeritus, Aitken Spence PLC, Sri Lanka
The Visitors’ Choice Awards, reflecting the voice of global travelers, were among the most anticipated recognitions of the evening. This year’s winners included:
- Leading Adventure Destination – Maldives
- Leading Heritage Destination – Bhutan
- Leading MICE Destination – Sri Lanka
- Leading Wellness Destination – Sri Lanka
This year’s Gold Awards honored the finest in South Asian hospitality, travel, and aviation. Some of the standout winners include:
- Leading Travel Agent – Inbound: Aitken Spence Travels (Sri Lanka)
- Leading Travel Agent – Outbound: Hayleys Travels Pvt Ltd (Sri Lanka)
- South Asia’s Best General Managers: Ahmed Zahir (Angsana Velavaru, Maldives) · Digvijay Singh (Conrad Bengaluru, India) · Karthi VK (Holiday Inn Express Kathmandu Naxal, Nepal) · Khagendra Dahal (Hotel Tashi Yid-Wong Grand, Bhutan) · Kamal Munasinghe (Cinnamon Grand Colombo, Sri Lanka)
- Leading Luxury Resort: The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands
- Leading Luxury Hotel: Shangri-La Colombo, Sri Lanka
- Most Romantic Resort: You & Me Maldives
- Leading Heritage Hotel/Resort: Zhiwaling Heritage, Bhutan
- South Asia’s Best New Hotel/Resort: Hilton Kathmandu, Nepal
- Leading All-Inclusive Resort: Heritance Aarah, Maldives
- Leading Wellness & Spa Hotel/Resort: Heritance Ayurveda, Sri Lanka
- Leading International Airline: SriLankan Airlines
- Leading Tourist Transport Provider (Air): Trans Maldivian Airways (Pvt) Ltd, Maldives
These awards represent not only operational excellence but also the innovation and cultural richness that define South Asian tourism.
SATA extends heartfelt gratitude to its valued sponsors and partners, whose support has made this celebration of excellence possible:
- Destination Partner: Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA)
- Host Hotel: Cinnamon Grand Colombo
- Platinum Partner: Honda Marine Maldives
- Gold Partners: The Hawks Pvt Ltd, Velana International Airport, Allied Insurance Company of the Maldives
- Silver Partners: Bizspoke, Renaatus
- Airline Partner: SriLankan Airlines
