SATA 2024 recognises South Asia’s best in Tourism and Hospitality in Kathmandu
The 8th South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) celebrated the pinnacle of Asian hospitality excellence with a grand ceremony on September 20th at Aloft Kathmandu Thamel. This prestigious event recognized outstanding achievements across South Asia’s travel, tourism, and hospitality sectors, attracting entries from leading hotels, resorts, airlines, and travel agencies throughout the region.
This year, SATA received over 400 nominations across diverse categories, including hotels, resorts, airlines, travel agencies, and cruise operators, showcasing the very best in South Asian hospitality.
The ceremony was graced by distinguished guests, including Nepal’s Honorable Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, Mr Badri Prasad Pandey, and Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) CEO, Mr Deepak Joshi. Winners were celebrated in 51 Gold and 93 Silver award categories, highlighting excellence and innovation in the industry.
Supported by the NTB, the Hotel Association of Nepal (HAN), and endorsed by 18 tourism organizations, SATA reaffirmed its status as a trusted platform for recognizing excellence in the tourism sector across South Asia.
Two standout honours went to Nepal and the Maldives, with Nepal being named South Asia’s Leading Heritage Destination and the Maldives recognized as South Asia’s Leading Beach Destination. These accolades underscore the diversity and richness of the region’s tourism offerings, solidifying its global appeal.
The evening also spotlighted individual properties, brands, and professionals who have set new standards for quality, luxury, and service Rambagh Palace (India): South Asia’s Leading Wedding Hotel/Resort Voyages Maldives (Maldives): South Asia’s Leading Liveaboard Brand Leela Bhartiya City, Bengaluru (India): South Asia’s Leading Convention Center Blue Earth Hospitality, Bengaluru (India): South Asia’s Leading Hospitality Development Company
Taj Lands End, Mumbai (India): South Asia’s Leading Business Hotel, Sheraton Grand Bangalore Hotel at Brigade Gateway (India): South Asia’s Leading F&B Hotel/Resort, Aitken Spence Travels (Sri Lanka): South Asia’s Leading Cruise Travel Agent & Leading Travel Agent – Inbound, Loya at Taj Palace, New Delhi (India): South Asia’s Leading Fine Dining Outlet in a Hotel/Resort, Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur (India): South Asia’s Leading Palace Hotel, Taj Palace, New Delhi (India): South Asia’s Leading Luxury Hotel/Resort,
South Asia’s Best General Managers: Dinesh Hettiarachchi (Mandarina Colombo, Sri Lanka), Pubudu Fernando (Sayeman Beach Resort, Bangladesh), and Vikram Singh (Aloft Kathmandu Thamel, Nepal). In addition, Sri Lankan Airlines was named the Leading International Airline, with Leeli Lounge at Velana International Airport taking the Leading Airport Lounge title. The Maldives’ Trans Maldivian Airways was also recognized as the Leading Tourist Transport Provider (Air).
The ceremony also recognized a wide range of properties with Silver awards, highlighting their contributions across different hospitality categories: Sheraton Grand Bangalore Hotel at Brigade Gateway: Leading Luxury Hotel/ Resort, The Ananta Udaipur: Leading Hill Resort/Hotel, Capital Travel Maldives: Leading Travel Agent – Inbound, Shangri-La Hambantota: Leading Wedding Hotel/Resort, Uday Samudra Leisure Beach Hotel & Spa: Leading All-Inclusive Resort & Leading Beach Resort, Uday Backwater Resort: Leading Family Resort, Most Romantic Resort, and Leading Riverfront Hotel/Resort The World Backwater, Alleppey: Leading Boutique Hotel/Resort, WGH Poetree, Thekkady: Leading Hill Resort, The Tigress, Ranthambore: Leading Wildlife Lodge/Tented Camp & Leading Eco-Friendly Resort
Taj Lake Palace: Leading Heritage Hotel, Hampi’s Feathers Resort: Leading Wildlife Lodge/Tented Camp, Accord Chrome, Chennai: Leading Airport Hotel & Leading Budget Hotel, Villa Urvinkhan Luxury Resort, Chikmagalur: Leading Eco-Friendly Resort, Courtyard by Marriott, Tiruchirappalli: Leading City Hotel (Above 40 Rooms), Turyaa Chennai: Leading Meeting & Conference Hotel/Resort Devi Ratn, IHCL SeleQtions: Leading Family Resort, Mulberry Shades, Bengaluru Nandi Hills: Leading Wellness & Spa Resort
This year’s “Face of South Asia” special award posthumously honoured three iconic figures for their exceptional contributions to regional tourism: Late Ms Ambica Shrestha (Nepal), Mr Karna Shakya (Nepal), and Mr MD Shakawath Hossain (Bangladesh). Their remarkable legacies have left an indelible mark on South Asian hospitality and tourism.
The SATA 2024 winners reflect the dynamic growth, diversity, and resilience of South Asia’s hospitality sector, inspiring innovation, sustainable practices, and excellence across the industry. By celebrating these achievements, SATA reinforces the region’s prominence as a premier travel destination while fostering collaboration among industry leaders.
Partnerships with key stakeholders such as Gulf Craft, Velana International Airport, Resort Life Travels, and the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) highlighted SATA’s strong commitment to elevating South Asia’s travel and tourism landscape. Speaking at the event, SATA President Mr Ismail Hameed emphasized the power of collaboration, stating:
“SATA has reached this level through teamwork and dedication. Together, South Asia can showcase its vast cultural and natural offerings to the world.”
The 2024 SATA Awards celebrated excellence and innovation, providing a platform for industry professionals to network, share insights, and drive sustainable growth across the region. As South Asia continues to gain recognition on the global tourism stage, SATA remains steadfast in its mission to foster unity, collaboration, and excellence within the travel industry.
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South Asian Travel Awards 2024 from September 19-20 at Kathmandu
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