The South Asian Travel Awards (SATA), the region’s most prestigious platform honoring excellence in travel, tourism, and hospitality, celebrated its 9th edition with a grand gala at Cinnamon Grand Colombo.
This year’s ceremony brought together distinguished guests, leading tourism authorities, esteemed partners, and industry pioneers from across South Asia. Set against the vibrant cultural backdrop of Sri Lanka, the evening showcased the region’s shared spirit of innovation, resilience, and hospitality.
A total of 53 Gold Award winners and 113 Silver Award winners were recognized across diverse categories, reflecting the best of Sri Lanka, India, Maldives, Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh. These accolades celebrated not only service excellence but also the unity and determination that continue to elevate South Asia’s tourism industry to international prominence.
Since its inception in 2016, SATA has grown into one of the most influential brands in the region, endorsed by leading regional and global tourism bodies. The awards remain a platform for nations to come together, celebrating shared success rather than competition.
A highlight of the evening was the SATA – Faces of South Asia, honoring visionary leaders whose lifelong contributions have shaped the region’s tourism and hospitality landscape. This year’s honorees were: Ms. Nandini Lahe-Thapa, Retired Senior Director, Nepal Tourism Board (Nepal),Ms. Jyoti Mayal, Former President, Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) (India),Mr. Mohamed Waheeduddeen, Chairman, Bandos Island Resort (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 evening’s most anticipated recognitions. Winners included: Leading Adventure Destination – Maldives, Leading Heritage Destination – Bhutan,Leading MICE Destination – Sri Lanka, Leading Wellness Destination – Sri Lanka
Among the Gold Award winners, standout honorees included: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 (Maldives) • Digvijay Singh (India) • Karthi VK (Nepal) • Khagendra Dahal (Bhutan) • Kamal Munasinghe (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
Best New Hotel/Resort: Hilton Kathmandu, Nepal,Leading All-Inclusive Resort: Heritance Aarah, Maldives,Leading Wellness & Spa Resort: Heritance Ayurveda, Sri Lanka,Leading International Airline: SriLankan Airlines, Leading Tourist Transport Provider (Air): Trans Maldivian Airways (Maldives)
These awards underscored not only operational excellence but also the cultural depth and innovation that define South Asia’s tourism identity. SATA expressed its gratitude to the valued sponsors and partners who made the 2025 Grand Gala 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
Hospitality Partners: Mandarina Colombo (Sri Lanka), Sheraton Grand Bangalore (India), Andaz Delhi (India), Hulhule Island Hotel (Maldives), Holiday Inn Express Kathmandu Naxal (Nepal), Zhiwaling Heritage (Bhutan), Holiday Inn Dhaka City Centre (Bangladesh)
The SATA 2025 Grand Gala was more than an award ceremony—it was a celebration of the region’s shared resilience, creativity, and unity. As South Asia strengthens its place on the global tourism map, SATA continues its mission to recognize excellence and inspire growth for years to come.
Also Read
12TH GREAT WINE CAPITAL OF THE WORLD
Watch on Youtube
