The South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) has announced the recipients of the Visitors' Choice Awards. Based on votes cast by international travelers, SriLankan Airlines was named Leading International Airline. 

SriLankan Airlines is the national carrier of Sri Lanka and an award-winning member of the oneworld global airline alliance. Originally launched in 1979 as Air Lanka, the airline operates out of its primary hub at Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo.  

SriLankan Airlines, the national carrier of Sri Lanka and a distinguished member of the oneworld global airline alliance, was awarded Leading International Airline. Established in 1979 as Air Lanka, the airline operates from its central hub at Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo. Utilizing a modern, all-Airbus fleet, SriLankan Airlines maintains extensive air links across Europe, the Middle East, South Asia, Southeast Asia, East Asia, and Australia. Widely recognized for its warm hospitality, comprehensive full-service amenities, and robust regional connectivity, the carrier acts as a pivotal gateway bridging Sri Lanka with the global community.

The Maldives received the award for Leading Adventure Destination, offering far more than serene relaxation and overwater bungalows. Across nearly 1,200 coral islands, the archipelago serves as a world-class hub for high-octane ocean sports and rare marine wildlife encounters. Travelers can swim with whale sharks year-round, witness seasonal feeding frenzies of hundreds of manta rays in protected biosphere reserves, and dive with marine predators alongside drop-offs and sunken wrecks. The islands also feature world-class reef breaks for surfing and high-speed lagoon activities like flyboarding and underwater scooters.

Additionally, Sri Lanka was named Leading Wellness Destination, built on over 2,000 years of holistic healing traditions. Centered on traditional Ayurveda, the island offers professional detoxification, tailored herbal treatments, and restorative dietary plans. Grounded in long-standing spiritual practices, Sri Lanka serves as a global sanctuary for mindfulness, offering coastal and highland retreats focused on meditation, yoga, and nature-based wellness. This experience is complemented by farm-to-table nutrition featuring native herbal infusions and organic, plant-forward cuisine.

Furthermore, Bhutan received the title of Leading Heritage Destination, reflecting its preserved cultural identity and centuries of living Buddhist traditions. The Kingdom’s heritage is embodied by its striking dzongs, magnificent fortress-monasteries serving as administrative and spiritual centers, and traditional architecture crafted without modern blueprints or fasteners. This physical legacy lives on through vibrant religious festivals with sacred dances and a commitment to traditional arts. Guided by Gross National Happiness and sustainable tourism, Bhutan provides an authentic journey into a timeless Himalayan sanctuary.

Held at Barceló Nasandhura Malé, the milestone SATA 2026 Grand Gala brought together leading tourism and hospitality professionals from across South Asia and the region. 

SATA 2026 Partners include: 

1. Host Partner – Barceló Nasandhura Malé

2. Destination Partner – Visit Maldives Corporation 

3. Platinum Partner – Gulf Craft Maldives

4. Gold Partner – Hawks Pvt Ltd

5. Gold Partner – Allied Insurance Company of the Maldives 

6. Beverage Partner – Nescafe

7.Silver Partner – Velana International Airport

8. Silver Partner – Marine Vibe

9. Silver Partner – Pro AC

10. Digital Partner – Dhiraagu 

11. Printing Partner – Print Lab Creative

12. Hospitality Partner – Crowne Plaza Dhaka Gulshan (Bangladesh)

13. Hospitality Partner – Hulhule Island Hotel (Maldives)

14. Hospitality Partner – Zhiwaling Heritage (Bhutan)

15. Hospitality Partner –  Aarya Hotel & Spa (Nepal)

16. Hospitality Partner – Sheraton Grand Bangalore at Brigade Gateway (India)

17. Hospitality Partner – Cinnamon Grand Colombo (Sri Lanka)

About SATA

The South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) is an annual platform celebrating excellence across the travel, tourism and hospitality industries in South Asia. The awards recognise outstanding hotels, resorts, travel companies, tourism organisations and industry professionals for their achievements and contributions to the region's tourism sector.

For more information, please visit: www.southasiantravelawards.com