Grand Gala and Awards Ceremony set for October 7-8 in the Maldives; Tourism India is Official Travel Media Partner
The Maldives is ready to host the 10th edition of the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA), with the Grand Gala and Awards Ceremony scheduled for October 7 to 8, 2026. The line-up of sponsors and partners was formalised at an official signing ceremony held on July 21, 2026 at Barceló Nasandhura Malé, which brought together industry leaders, tourism partners and distinguished guests.
SATA is an annual platform celebrating excellence across the travel, tourism and hospitality industries in South Asia. It recognises outstanding hotels, resorts, travel companies, tourism organisations and industry professionals for their contribution to the region’s tourism sector. Over the years it has become the region’s benchmark for achievement in hospitality, travel, aviation and tourism services.
A decade of recognition
SATA 2026 marks 10 years of celebrating tourism excellence, with participation from India, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh. This edition introduces two new individual awards: Outstanding Chef and Outstanding Young Hotelier (Under 40 Years). Winners will be decided by a combination of jury evaluation (60%) and online public voting (40%).
SATA 2026 partners
- Host Partner: Barceló Nasandhura Malé
- Destination Partner: Visit Maldives Corporation
- Platinum Partner: Gulf Craft Maldives
- Gold Partners: Hawks Pvt Ltd; Allied Insurance Company of the Maldives
- Silver Partners: Velana International Airport; Marine Vibe; Pro AC
- Beverage Partner: Nescafe
- Digital Partner: Dhiraagu
- Printing Partner: Print Lab Creative
- Hospitality Partners: Crowne Plaza Dhaka Gulshan (Bangladesh); Hulhule Island Hotel (Maldives); Zhiwaling Heritage (Bhutan); Aarya Hotel & Spa (Nepal); Sheraton Grand Bangalore at Brigade Gateway (India); Cinnamon Grand Colombo (Sri Lanka)
- Official Travel Media Partner: Tourism India
Mr. Hassan Ismail, President, SATA, said: “Reaching the 10th edition of SATA is a proud moment for everyone who has been part of this journey. The partnerships we have formalised reflect a shared commitment to innovation, quality and sustainable growth in South Asian tourism, and they will make this milestone edition one to remember. We are delighted to bring the awards to the Maldives, a destination that has shown time and again its ability to host world-class international events with warmth and excellence.”
The signing ceremony was also an opportunity to reaffirm the Maldives’ position as a premier host for international tourism events, drawing on its reputation for hospitality, collaboration and event hosting. The partnerships are expected to enhance the overall SATA experience while strengthening regional cooperation across South Asia’s travel and hospitality sectors.
