Taj Cochin International Airport, Kerala has been named the Gold Winner in the Leading Airport Hotel category at the 10th edition of South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) 2026. The Silver Winners of the category were: Best Western Plus Kathmandu Hotel, Kaachi Grand,  Hulhule Island Hotel, Grand Sylhet Hotel & Resort.

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.

About Taj Cochin International Airport, Kerala 

Situated in Nedumbassery, Kerala, adjacent to Cochin International Airport, Taj Cochin International Airport offers luxury accommodations for regional and global travelers. The property features 111 guest rooms and suites, multiple fine-dining restaurants, a bakery, an elegant bar, and grand banquet and meeting spaces. Leisure amenities include a full-service spa, a fitness center, and an outdoor swimming pool set amidst landscaped gardens. Architectural elements draw inspiration from Kerala’s heritage, blending traditional design motifs with modern luxury infrastructure. Positioned within easy access of the aviation terminal and regional transit routes, the hotel serves as a premier, full-service gateway hotel in Southern India. 

About Best Western Plus Kathmandu Hotel 

Situated in Pingalasthan, Kathmandu, near Tribhuvan International Airport, Best Western Plus Kathmandu Hotel offers modern accommodations for business and leisure travelers. The property features well-appointed guest rooms, versatile event spaces, a fitness center, an outdoor pool, and on-site dining serving Nepalese and global cuisine. Located close to major transport connections and culturally significant landmarks like Pashupatinath Temple, it provides a full-service experience near Nepal’s primary aviation gateway. 

About Kaachi Grand 

Situated in Paro, Bhutan, Hotel Kaachi Grand offers upscale accommodations tailored for international travel and leisure. The property features well-appointed guest rooms and suites, an on-site restaurant featuring traditional Bhutanese specialties alongside international cuisine, a full-service lounge, and fitness facilities. Positioned within easy access of Paro International Airport and key regional landmarks like Rinpung Dzong, the hotel combines contemporary amenities with traditional Bhutanese design, serving as a full-service base for travelers exploring the Paro Valley. 

About Hulhule Island Hotel 

Situated on Hulhulé Island adjacent to Velana International Airport, Hulhule Island Hotel offers upscale accommodations for transit, business, and leisure travelers. The property features comfortable rooms, an outdoor swimming pool, a private beach, a spa, a fitness center, and versatile meeting facilities alongside diverse dining venues. As the primary airport resort in the Maldives, it combines quality hospitality with direct airport connectivity and tropical beachfront surroundings.   

About Grand Sylhet Hotel & Resort 

Situated in Khadimnagar, Sylhet, near Osmani International Airport, Grand Sylhet Hotel & Resort offers upscale accommodations for corporate, family, and leisure travelers. The property features 235 rooms and suites, multiple dining venues, 8,500 square feet of event space, a rooftop swimming pool, a full-service spa, a fitness center, an in-house HD movie theater, and a children's play area. Positioned close to major transit routes and regional attractions like Sylhet’s tea gardens, it serves as a full-service hospitality destination in northeastern Bangladesh. 

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