The 8th Edition of the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) 2024 concluded with a vibrant celebration in Kathmandu, featuring a prestigious Gala & Awards ceremony held at Aloft Kathmandu Thamel on Friday, September 20th.
This year’s event saw significant participation from key players across the hospitality industry, including representatives from hotels, resorts, airlines, lounges, travel agents, and cruise lines. Endorsed by over 18 tourism organizations and bodies across the region, SATA’s credibility and influence in the travel sector remain strong.
With over 400 nominations submitted, the competition was intense. The event was graced by the Honorable Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, Mr Badri Prasad Pandey, and Mr Deepak Joshi, CEO of the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB). Board members of NTB and prominent figures from Nepal’s travel industry also attended, making it a grand celebration of South Asian hospitality. SATA 2024 was made possible with the support of the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and the Hotel Association of Nepal (HAN).
With over 400 nominations submitted for this edition, competition was notably fierce. The event was honoured by the presence of the Honorable Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Mr Badri Prasad Pandey, along with Mr Deepak Joshi, CEO of the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB). Board members of NTB and prominent figures from Nepal’s travel industry also attended, contributing to a grand celebration of excellence in South Asian hospitality. SATA 2024 was held in Kathmandu with the support of the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and the Hotel Association of Nepal (HAN).
The SATA awards mark exceptional service and innovation within the hospitality industry and encourage healthy competition and collaboration among stakeholders.
This year’s event honored winners across 51 Gold and 93 Silver categories. Nepal was recognized as the Leading Heritage Destination, while the Maldives was named the Leading Beach Destination. The special “Faces of South Asia” awards were posthumously given to Late Ms. Ambica Shrestha, Mr. Karna Sakya, and Mr. MD Shakawath Hossain, for their outstanding contributions to South Asian tourism.
SATA 2024’s partners demonstrated their dedication to supporting the travel and tourism industry in the region. Gulf Craft served as the Platinum Partner, with The Hawks, Velana International Airport, and Hotels and Resorts Investment Maldives (HARIM) as Gold Partners. Allied Insurance Company of the Maldives was the Insurance Partner, while Resort Life Travels and Bizspoke were the Silver Partners. Key Tourism Partners included the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and the Hotel Association of Nepal (HAN). The Official Hosting partners were Aloft Kathmandu Thamel and The Malla Hotel.
Hospitality partners featured prominent hotels such as Mandarina Colombo, Sri Lanka; Sheraton Grand Bangalore at Brigade Gateway, India; Akama Hotel and Hyatt Place, Kathmandu, Nepal; Zhiwaling Heritage, Bhutan; and Manhattan Business Hotel, Maldives.
In his speech, SATA President Mr. Ismail Hameed emphasized the importance of unity in promoting the region, stating, “We need to stick together in promoting the region. SATA has reached here by working together. The industry has the world to offer within this region, and we can achieve much more as we still have a long way to go.”
This prestigious event not only honours the outstanding contributions of industry leaders but also provides invaluable networking opportunities for professionals to engage in meaningful discussions, sharing insights and strategies that drive growth and enhance the tourism experience across the region.
By celebrating excellence and fostering collaboration, SATA continues to play a vital role in the sustainable development of South Asia’s travel and tourism landscape, ensuring the region remains a top destination for global travellers.
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