The 8th Edition of the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) 2024 culminated in a vibrant celebration on Friday, September 20, with a prestigious Gala & Awards ceremony held at Aloft Kathmandu Thamel. This year’s event showcased the best in South Asian hospitality, with significant participation from key players in the industry, including hotels, resorts, airlines, travel agents, and cruise lines.
Endorsed by over 18 tourism organizations across the region, SATA has established itself as a credible platform for recognizing excellence within the travel sector. This year, the competition was intense, with over 400 nominations submitted.
The ceremony was graced by the Honorable Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Mr. Badri Prasad Pandey, alongside Mr. Deepak Joshi, CEO of the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB). Board members and prominent figures from Nepal’s travel industry gathered to celebrate achievements in hospitality.
SATA 2024 acknowledged winners in 51 Gold and 93 Silver categories. Notably, Nepal was recognized as the Leading Heritage Destination, while the Maldives secured the title of Leading Beach Destination. Special awards, known as “Faces of South Asia,” were posthumously awarded to Late Ms. Ambica Shrestha, Mr. Karna Sakya, and Mr. MD Shakawath Hossain, honoring their significant contributions to the South Asian tourism sector.
Mr. Ismail Hameed, President of SATA, emphasized the importance of collaboration within the industry, stating, “We need to stick together in promoting the region. SATA has reached here by working together. The industry has the world to offer within this region, and we have a long way to go.”
The event was made possible through the support of various partners, including Gulf Craft as the Platinum Partner, and several Gold Partners such as The Hawks, Velana International Airport, and Hotels and Resorts Investment Maldives (HARIM). The event also featured several hospitality partners, including Mandarina Colombo, Sheraton Grand Bangalore, and Hyatt Place Nepal.
SATA serves not only as a recognition platform but also as an avenue for networking and dialogue among industry professionals, fostering collaboration and driving sustainable growth in South Asia’s vibrant travel and tourism landscape.
As SATA continues to highlight the achievements that redefine travel in South Asia, it reinforces the region’s status as a premier destination for travelers worldwide.
