The South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) marked its 10th edition with a grand gala at Barceló Nasandhura, continuing its tradition as the region’s premier platform honoring outstanding achievements in travel, tourism, and hospitality. 

The gala gathered notable industry pioneers, regional travel authorities, esteemed partners, and honored attendees in the Maldives for a night celebrating South Asian hospitality and forward-thinking innovation. 

Marking a memorable celebration of excellence, 52 Gold winners and 98 Silver winners were recognized across diverse categories, spotlighting the premier hospitality talent of Bhutan, Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives. These recipients embody the commitment to high-caliber service, progress, and collaboration that reinforces South Asia's prominent role in global tourism. 

Established in 2016, SATA has evolved into a premier regional brand backed by prominent local and global tourism organizations. Rather than fostering rivalry, the awards continue to provide a unified space where nations collectively honor their mutual accomplishments and industry excellence. 

A major focal point of the ceremony was the presentation of the SATA – Face of South Asia awards, honoring industry visionaries whose long-standing dedication has transformed the regional tourism and hospitality sector. The recipient for this year were: 

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  Mohamed Solih - Chairman, Damas Company

  
  

The Visitors’ Choice Awards stood out as one of the ceremony's most anticipated highlights, honoring top picks directly shaped by global travelers. The winners for this year was: 

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  Leading International Airline – SriLankan Airlines

  
  


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  Leading Adventure Destination – Maldives

  
  


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  Leading Heritage Destination – Bhutan

  
  


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  Leading Wellness Destination – Sri Lanka

  
  

Honoring outstanding achievements in aviation, travel, and hospitality across South Asia, this year’s Gold Awards featured several notable recipients: 

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  Leading Travel Agent – Inbound: Aitken Spence Travels 

  
  


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  Leading Travel Agent – Outbound: Classic Travel 

  
  


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  South Asia’s Best General Managers: Siraj Ali Waseem – Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu · Alamgir Hossain – Platinum Grand by SHELTECH · Abhiram Menon – Hilton Bangalore Embassy Golflinks · Nazoomi Azhar – Cinnamon Grand Colombo

  
  


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  Leading Airport Hotel: Taj Cochin International Airport, Kerala

  
  


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  Leading Designer Hotel/Resort: Nüwa at City of Dreams Sri Lanka

  
  


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  Leading Luxury Resort: Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort

  
  


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  Leading F&B Hotel/Resort: President, Mumbai – IHCL SeleQtions

  
  


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  Most Romantic Resort: Adaaran Prestige Vadoo

  
  


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  Leading Heritage Hotel/Resort: Galle Face Hotel

  
  


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  Leading Hill Resort/Hotel: Amaya Hills, Kandy

  
  


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  South Asia’s Best New Hotel/Resort: Newburgh Ella - The Tea Factory

  
  


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  Leading Wellness & Spa Hotel/Resort: Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort Sigiriya

  
  


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  Leading Wellness & Spa Brand: ELE|NA

  
  


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  Leading Wedding Hotel/Resort: Dusit Thani Himalayan Resort Dhulikhel 

  
  


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  Leading International Airline: SriLankan Airlines

  
  


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  Leading Tourist Transport Provider (Airline): Maldivian

  
  


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  Leading Tourist Transport Provider (Seaplane): Trans Maldivian Airways 

  
  

These recognitions celebrate not only outstanding operational standards, but also the ingenuity and cultural depth at the heart of South Asia’s travel industry. This year SATA introduced two new categories, recognizing individual persons in their respective fields and emerging talents. 

Outstanding Young Hotelier (Under 40 years) 

Gayani Punchihewa – Cinnamon Grand Colombo (Gold Winner)

Outstanding Chef

Rohit Sangwan – The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai (Gold Winner)

SATA extends its heartfelt gratitude to its esteemed sponsors and partners, whose ongoing support enabled the success of this prestigious event: 

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  Platinum Partner: Gulf Craft Maldives

  
  


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  Gold Partners: The Hawks Pvt Ltd, Allied Insurance Company of the Maldives

  
  


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  Silver Partners: Velana International Airport, Marine Vibe, Pro AC

  
  


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  Digital Partner: Dhiraagu

  
  


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  Host Partner: Barcelo’ Nasandhura

  
  


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  Print Partner: Printlab Creative

  
  


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  Photography/Videography Partner: Studio 7

  
  


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  Beverage Partner: Nescafe’

  
  

Hospitality Partners:
Hulhule’ Island Hotel, Cinnamon Grand Colombo, Sheraton Grand Bangalore at Brigade Gateway, Aarya Hotel & Spa, Crowne Plaza Dhaka Gulshan, Zhiwaling Heritage

Recognizing more than just the night's honorees, the SATA 2026 Grand Gala paid homage to the collective spirit of the region’s hospitality network. United by values of strength, creativity, and partnership, South Asia continues to expand its footprint on the world stage. As this edition draws to a close, SATA reaffirms its mission to champion excellence and inspire future growth. 

About SATA
Established in 2016, the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) stands as the inaugural regional awards program backed by several international bodies. The platform is committed to recognizing and honoring top achievements across South Asia's travel, hospitality, and tourism industries. Discover more by visiting our official website at; www.southasiantravelawards.com.

> FULL WINNER SHEET LINK: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1uQTJrELKpEzNQv8Vap0SVfltyjSg5poM?usp=sharing

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