Shreya Shimpi
The South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) marked its 10th edition with a ‘Connect & Conversations’ Panel Discussion event and a grand gala on the 7th and 8th October 2026, respectively, continuing its legacy as the region’s premier platform honouring outstanding achievements in travel, tourism, and hospitality.
The tenth edition of the SATA Awards commenced with a panel discussion featuring eminent speakers across the hospitality and travel trade sectors from India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Nepal and Bhutan. The discussions revolved around relevant topics such as ‘The Future of Tourism, Transport, & Investment in the Maldives’, ‘Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to redesign Tourism ’, to name a few. Abdulla Ghiyas, Chairman of Visit Maldives Corporation, and Mohammed Hussein Alshaali, Chairman and Co-Founder of Gulf Craft, along with other esteemed dignitaries, graced the event. The event concluded with a felicitation ceremony and a networking lunch.
In an exclusive chat with BOTT, Ismail Hameed, President, South Asian Travel Awards (SATA), said, “The 10th edition of the SATA Awards celebrates a decade of excellence, spanning seven destinations, over 1,000 nominations, an eminent jury panel, and more than two million online votes. SATA follows a seamless, transparent process, ensuring that winners are recognised solely on merit and credibility. Over the years, the awards have earned tremendous support from tourism boards, regional travel organisations, and the travel trade fraternity. Launched a decade ago in Sri Lanka with just three destinations, SATA has evolved into a prestigious regional platform that continues to grow from strength to strength. True to our name, High Rise, we believe the sky is the limit”.
Marking a memorable celebration of excellence, 52 Gold winners and 98 Silver winners were recognised 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-calibre service, progress, and collaboration that reinforces South Asia’s prominent role in global tourism.
One of the ceremony’s most distinguished highlights was the presentation of the prestigious Face of South Asia Award to Mohamed Solih, Chairman, Damas Company, whose enduring contributions, exemplary leadership, and unwavering dedication have played a pivotal role in shaping South Asia’s tourism and hospitality landscape.
The Visitors’ Choice Awards
Leading International Airline – SriLankan Airlines
Leading Adventure Destination – Maldives
Leading Heritage Destination – Bhutan
Leading Wellness Destination – Sri Lanka
Gold Award Recipients–
Leading Travel Agent – Inbound: Aitken Spence Travels
Leading Travel Agent – Outbound: Classic Travel
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
Leading Airport Hotel: Taj Cochin International Airport, Kerala
Leading Designer Hotel/Resort: Nüwa at City of Dreams Sri Lanka
Leading Luxury Resort: Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort
Leading F&B Hotel/Resort: President, Mumbai – IHCL SeleQtions
Most Romantic Resort: Adaaran Prestige Vadoo
Leading Heritage Hotel/Resort: Galle Face Hotel
Leading Hill Resort/Hotel: Amaya Hills, Kandy
South Asia’s Best New Hotel/Resort: Newburgh Ella – The Tea Factory
Leading Wellness & Spa Hotel/Resort: Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort Sigiriya
Leading Wellness & Spa Brand: ELE|NA
Leading Wedding Hotel/Resort: Dusit Thani Himalayan Resort Dhulikhel
Leading International Airline: SriLankan Airlines
Leading Tourist Transport Provider (Airline): Maldivian
Leading Tourist Transport Provider (Seaplane): Trans Maldivian Airways
This year, SATA introduced two new categories, recognising individual persons in their respective fields and emerging talents. The Gold Award winners were:
Outstanding Young Hotelier (Under 40 years): Gayani Punchihewa – Cinnamon Grand Colombo (Gold Winner)
Outstanding Chef: Rohit Sangwan – The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai (Gold Winner)
Beyond celebrating the distinguished award recipients, the SATA 2026 Grand Gala stood as a magnificent tribute to the collective excellence, shared vision, and enduring spirit of collaboration that unite South Asia’s tourism and hospitality fraternity. Bound by values of strength, creativity, and partnership, South Asia continues to expand its footprint on the world stage. With the successful completion of the tenth edition, SATA reaffirms its mission to champion excellence and inspire future growth.
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