SATA 2026 strengthens regional collaboration with the SATA Alliance meeting

  • Maldives
  • World
  • Travel
  • Business
PUBLISHED 07 October 2026

The 10th edition of the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) continued its successful run with the much-anticipated SATA Alliance Meeting, hosted at Barceló Nasandhura in the Maldives, where key stakeholders from six South Asian countries, including Maldives, India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh, gathered to foster stronger regional cooperation through practical, solution-oriented discussion. This collaborative event provided a platform for participants to share insights, address common industry obstacles, and advance strategies aimed at driving long-term sustainability and shared progress across the expanding tourism market of South Asia.


Conducted around a U-shaped setup, the meeting created an environment for active dialogue, allowing delegates to present their insights in an atmosphere of mutual cooperation. Discussions were primarily directed toward how South Asian destinations can jointly elevate their tourism standards, expand strategic partnerships, and deliver effortless, premium-quality experiences to travelers. 


The session featured valuable contributions from prominent industry leaders, including: 





  • Mr. Abdulla Ghiyas – Chairperson, Visit Maldives Corporation




  • Mr. Kuenzang Thinley – Chair, SATA Bhutan




  • Mr. Tek Bahadur Mahat – Chief Executive Officer, Hotel Association Nepal




  • Mr. Mohsin Hoq Himel – Coordinator, United Tourism Stakeholders Society of Bangladesh (UTSSOB)




  • Dr. Sachin Bansal – Chair, SATA India




  • Mrs. Jyoti Mayal – Chairperson, Tourism & Hospitality Skills Council (THSC)




  • Ms. Amal Goonetilleke – Consultant, Hospitality & Marketing




  • Mr. Abdulla Suood – Secretary General, Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO)




  • Mr. Abdulla Yasir – Managing Director, Visit Maldives Corporation




  • Mr. Ismail Hameed – President, SATA




  • Mr. Suraj Khan – Vice President, SATA




  • Mr. Sameer Yoonus – Vice President, SATA




  • Mr. Tuan Vaffoor – Vice President, SATA




  • Mr. Ugyen Tenzin – Vice Chairman, HRAB




The session came to a close with final remarks from Mr. Tuan Saabir Vaffoor and Mr. Sameer Yoonus, who commended all participants for their active involvement and highlighted SATA's steadfast commitment to driving regional solidarity and quality standards in tourism.