The 9th edition of the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) is set to take place on September 19 and 20, 2025, at the prestigious Cinnamon Grand Colombo in Sri Lanka, the official host of this year’s event. Recognized as one of the most influential platforms in the region’s travel and hospitality sector, SATA continues to celebrate excellence while fostering collaboration, innovation, and sustainable growth in South Asia’s tourism industry. This year’s edition will not only honor exceptional achievements in the sector but also offer a vibrant platform for strategic networking, industry insights, and the strengthening of cross-border partnerships.
A Platform for Recognition and Collaboration
Since its inception, SATA has played a key role in acknowledging the outstanding contributions of tourism stakeholders across South Asia. The awards are designed to recognize individuals, companies, and organizations that have made remarkable strides in promoting tourism, hospitality, and service excellence. The 2025 event aims to go beyond recognition by providing a unique space for thought leadership and innovation, enabling industry leaders to exchange ideas, identify new opportunities, and address common challenges facing the region’s tourism landscape.
Sri Lanka’s Role as a Gracious Host
As the host nation for the 9th edition, Sri Lanka is set to showcase its world-renowned hospitality, cultural richness, and resilience as a leading travel destination. The event comes at a pivotal time for the country, which has been working to rejuvenate its tourism sector after facing multiple challenges in recent years. Through SATA 2025, Sri Lanka will reaffirm its commitment to sustainable tourism practices and highlight its readiness to welcome travelers from around the world. The event will also present an opportunity for local stakeholders to connect with a diverse array of regional and global tourism professionals.
Strong Regional and International Endorsements
SATA 2025 enjoys the endorsement of some of the most prominent tourism authorities and travel associations across South Asia. Among them are the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB), Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), and Visit Maldives Corporation Limited (VMCL). The event has also secured the backing of major national travel bodies, including the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI), Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO), Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO).
Similarly, Confederation of Accredited Tour Operators (CATO), Association of Travel Agents, Maldives (ATA), The Hotels Association of Sri Lanka (THASL), Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO), Hotel Association Nepal (HAN), Bangladesh International Hotel Association (BIHA), Hotel and Restaurant Association of Bhutan (HRAB), National Boating Association of Maldives (NBAM), and the Association of Tourism Trade Organizations, India (ATTOI). These partnerships underscore SATA’s reputation as a truly collaborative platform uniting the region’s tourism industry.
Hospitality Partners from Across South Asia
A strong network of hospitality partners is lending its support to ensure the success of the 2025 edition. Notable partners include Mandarina Colombo (Sri Lanka), Sheraton Grand Bangalore at Brigade Gateway (India), Andaz Delhi (India), Hulhulé Island Hotel (Maldives), Holiday Inn Express Kathmandu Naxal (Nepal), Zhiwaling Heritage (Bhutan), and Holiday Inn Dhaka City Centre (Bangladesh). These establishments not only represent the highest standards of hospitality in their respective countries but also embody SATA’s vision of fostering quality, service, and cultural authenticity in tourism.
Driving Sustainable Tourism and Regional Unity
SATA has positioned itself as more than an awards ceremony, it is a catalyst for sustainable tourism growth. This year’s event will emphasize eco-friendly practices, community engagement, and responsible tourism development. By uniting stakeholders from different countries, SATA reinforces the idea that tourism in South Asia can thrive through shared responsibility, innovation, and mutual respect for cultural and environmental heritage. The awards will feature categories that reflect the industry’s diverse sectors, from luxury hospitality and adventure tourism to culinary excellence and digital innovation.
A Celebration of Excellence with a Vision for the Future
With the support of influential partners, leading tourism authorities, and celebrated hospitality brands, the 9th South Asian Travel Awards is expected to be a landmark event for the region’s travel industry. Beyond recognizing the best in the business, SATA 2025 will serve as a driving force for collaboration, resilience, and innovation. For Sri Lanka, the event is both a celebration of its tourism recovery journey and a statement of confidence in its ability to host world-class gatherings. For South Asia, it is a reaffirmation of the region’s potential as a unified, vibrant, and sustainable travel destination for the global market.
