The South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) officially announced its distinguished partners for the 2025 edition during a grand signing ceremony held at the Hulhule Island Hotel, Maldives. Now celebrating its ninth year, SATA continues to serve as a leading platform recognizing excellence in South Asian tourism and hospitality. Bringing together influential industry stakeholders, the event aims to honor exceptional contributions across a diverse range of tourism and hospitality categories in the region.
Platinum Partnership with Honda Marine
SATA proudly welcomed Honda Marine as the Platinum Partner for 2025. Known globally for its marine innovation, Honda Marine offers exceptional aquatic experiences while promoting environmental sustainability and community welfare. These values strongly align with SATA’s mission of celebrating excellence and fostering responsibility within the tourism sector.
Gold Partners Strengthening Regional Tourism
The Gold Partnership for SATA 2025 features three prominent names, The Hawks Pvt Ltd, Velana International Airport, and Allied Insurance Company of the Maldives.
- The Hawks Pvt Ltd is among the leading fuel importers and distributors in the Maldives, recognized for their high-quality logistics and operational support services that play a crucial role in sustaining tourism infrastructure.
- Velana International Airport, often referred to as the “Gateway to the Maldives,” reinforces its dedication to delivering world-class aviation services. The airport’s newly built 72,000-square-meter terminal will accommodate 7.5 million passengers annually, marking a major milestone in Maldivian tourism expansion.
- Allied Insurance Company of the Maldives, the nation’s leading insurer, provides general, life insurance, and takaful services. Backed by top global reinsurance firms, they contribute to SATA’s mission by ensuring peace of mind, safety, and security for the tourism sector.
Renaatus Realty Joins as Silver Partner
As the Silver Partner, Renaatus Realty continues to make significant contributions to Maldivian urban development. A leader in construction and real estate, Renaatus Projects Pvt. Ltd. is behind numerous iconic developments across the country. Their latest project, Renaatus Irumathi, promises to redefine luxury living by blending elegance, comfort, and nature in the heart of Hulhumale.
Hulhulé Island Hotel as Official Hospitality Partner – Maldives
The Hulhulé Island Hotel (HIH) has been named the Official Hospitality Partner in the Maldives. Strategically located on the airport island, HIH offers a combination of luxury, convenience, and personalized services. The hotel provided exceptional accommodation and amenities for SATA judges and delegates during the evaluation process, enhancing the event’s hospitality experience.
SATA 2025 Heads to Colombo, Sri Lanka
The 9th edition of SATA will be held in Colombo, Sri Lanka from 19th to 20th September 2025 at the prestigious Cinnamon Grand Colombo, which will serve as the Official Host. The event promises a dynamic two-day program highlighting achievements, networking, and collaboration opportunities for tourism professionals from across South Asia.
Strong Regional Support from Hospitality Partners
SATA 2025 enjoys the support of leading hospitality brands in South Asia. These 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).
Endorsement from National Tourism Bodies
This year’s edition is officially endorsed by major national tourism authorities and industry associations, including the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB), Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), Visit Maldives Corporation Limited, and renowned travel associations such as TAAI, IATO, MATATO, CATO, ATA, THASL, SLAITO, HAN, BIHA, HRAB, NBAM, and ATTOI. These endorsements underline SATA’s growing influence in shaping regional tourism excellence.
Esteemed Panel of Judges
The evaluation process for SATA 2025 was carried out by a respected panel of nine jury members representing different countries and sectors within the tourism industry:
- Dr. Sachin Bansal (India – Founder, India City Walks)
- Mr. Dilshan Kudahetty (Sri Lanka – Commercial Manager, Corporate Business Development, SriLankan Airlines)
- Mr. Akhtaruzzaman Khan Kabir (Bangladesh – CEO, Bangladesh Tourism Board)
- Mr. Ishan Koul (India – Director, Naaz Hotel Consultants)
- Mr. Thoyyib Mohamed (Maldives – Former CEO & MD, Visit Maldives)
- Ms. Mariyam Noordeen (Maldives – Founder & President, Chefs Guild of Maldives)
- Mr. Ibrahim Asim (Maldives – Former Director, Administration & HR, Visit Maldives)
- Mr. Tek Bahadur Mahat (Nepal – Member, Nepal Hotel Association)
- Mr. Xu Jing (Spain – Former Regional Director for Asia & the Pacific, UNWTO)
Media Outreach and Regional Visibility
SATA 2025 is supported by a vast network of media partners across South Asia, ensuring extensive coverage and engagement in all major tourism markets. This outreach helps promote cross-border collaboration and increases awareness of regional tourism potential.
About SATA 2025
Since its inception, the South Asian Travel Awards has been a premier platform celebrating tourism and hospitality excellence. The awards not only acknowledge outstanding achievements but also encourage innovation, sustainability, and collaborative growth in the sector. The 2025 edition will spotlight the resilience and hospitality of Sri Lanka while fostering regional unity. With participation from multiple nations, SATA remains committed to driving South Asia’s tourism industry towards a globally competitive future.
For more details, visit www.southasiantravelawards.com or contact [email protected].
