The 9th edition of the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) continued its successful run with the much-anticipated SATA Alliance Meeting, held at the City Club House Meeting Room, Cinnamon Grand Colombo.

The SATA Alliance brings together leading stakeholders from six South Asian nations—India, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh—to engage in solution-driven dialogue aimed at strengthening regional collaboration. The meeting provided a platform for participants to exchange ideas, address challenges, and explore strategies for sustainable growth and shared success across South Asia’s thriving tourism industry.

Set around a U-shaped table discussion, the session encouraged open dialogue, allowing all participants to share perspectives in a collaborative format. The conversation centered on how the region can collectively improve tourism offerings, foster stronger partnerships, and deliver seamless, world-class experiences to travelers.

The meeting began with welcoming remarks from Mr. Suraj Khan, Vice President of SATA, and was enriched by insights from distinguished industry leaders, including:

Mr. Buddhika Hewawasam – Chairman, SriLankan Airlines

Mr. Abdulla Ghiyas – Chairperson, Visit Maldives Corporation

Mr. Sanjeev Kumar – President, CATO

Mr. Kuenzang Thinley – Vice Chairman, HRAB (Bhutan Chapter)

Mr. Tek Bahadur Mahat – HAN

Mr. Himel Mohsin Hoq – Secretary, BIHA

Dr. Sachin Bansal – Chairperson, SATA India

Mrs. Jyoti Mayal – Chairperson, THSCA & Former President, TAAI

Ms. Amal Goonetilleke – CEO, THASL

Ms. Stassahani Jayawardena – Chairperson, Aitken Spence PLC & Aitken Spence Hotel Holdings PLC

Ms. Nadini Lahe-Thapa – Retired Senior Director, NTB

Mr. Abdulla Suood – Secretary General, MATATO

Mr. Sampath Nishanka – Managing Director, SLTDA

Mr. Shantikumar – President, THASL

Mr. Nishad Wijetunga – Immediate Past President, SLAITO

Mr. Nalin Jayasundera – President, SLAITO

Dr. Duiminda Kuruwitaarachchi – President, TAASL

Mr. Dheera Hettiarachci – Chairman, SLCB & CLITHM

Mr. Rohan Abeywickrema – President, ASMET

Mr. Dmitri Cooray – President, PATA

Mr. Ugyen Tenzin – Chairman, HRAB

The discussion concluded with closing remarks from Mr. Tuan Saabir Vaffoor and Mr. Sameer Yoonus, who thanked all attendees for their valuable contributions and emphasized SATA’s continued commitment to fostering unity and excellence in South Asian tourism.