The South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) has officially opened online voting for its 2026 edition, inviting travelers, tourism professionals, and industry stakeholders to vote for their favorite travel and hospitality brands across South Asia. Recognized as one of the region’s most prestigious travel award platforms, SATA celebrates excellence in hospitality, tourism, and travel services across the Maldives, Sri Lanka, India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh.

Now marking its tenth year since inception in 2016, SATA has grown into a respected benchmark for quality and service in the South Asian tourism industry. The awards continue to recognize outstanding achievements by resorts, hotels, safari vessels, airlines, travel agencies, tourism brands, and industry professionals who contribute to elevating the region’s tourism landscape.

For the 2026 edition, SATA has also introduced two new individual award categories — Outstanding Chef and Outstanding Young Hotelier (Under 40 Years) — further expanding recognition for emerging talent and leadership within the hospitality sector.

SATA’s credibility and industry standing are reinforced through the endorsement of leading tourism and hospitality organizations across South Asia, including the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), Visit Maldives Corporation, Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO), Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO), Hotel and Restaurant Association of Bhutan (HRAB), Bangladesh International Hotel Association (BIHA), Association of Professionals in Tourism (APT), and several other regional industry bodies.

This year’s awards have attracted almost a thousand nominations from leading hospitality and tourism brands across the region, reflecting the continued growth and competitiveness of South Asia’s travel industry. Public voting is now live and will remain open until July 10, 2026. Votes can be submitted through the official SATA voting portal at https://www.southasiantravelawards.com/vote

The SATA 2026 Gala Ceremony will be held in the Maldives in September 2026, bringing together tourism leaders, hospitality professionals, and travel brands from across South Asia for an evening celebrating excellence and achievement. Celebrating its 10th edition this year, SATA has been hosted in prominent destinations across the region and has become one of the most anticipated tourism events in South Asia.

Beyond recognition, SATA continues to serve as a platform for industry collaboration, networking, and innovation, supporting the growth and global positioning of South Asia as a world-class travel destination.