The Maldives is slated to contend for top honours at the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA), an annual ceremony recognising excellence in regional hospitality. Organisers confirmed the ninth edition will take place in Sri Lanka from 19 to 20 September.
Established in 2016, SATA has emerged as a leading platform for honouring distinction across South Asia's travel and tourism industries. The awards span a diverse field, acknowledging achievement across hotels, resorts, tour operators, travel agencies, and emerging destinations.
The programme is endorsed by regional tourism bodies and international associations, and its selections are made by a panel of industry professionals and policy specialists. Beyond recognition, SATA functions as a forum for engagement, encouraging dialogue and spotlighting innovative practices that influence the region’s evolving travel landscape.
Six South Asian countries are expected to take part in this year's edition, according to the organisers, with the Maldives named among the contenders. More than 500 nominations have already been submitted, suggesting a broadened scope and rising interest in the programme's competitive categories. This elevated profile is reflected in the endorsement of 18 sectoral organisations, among them the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau.
The Maldives enters the 2025 edition with a record of strong performance. At SATA 2024, the island nation earned 30 accolades, including 15 Gold Awards and 14 Silver Awards, across a variety of categories. It also received the Visitors' Choice Award for Leading Beach Destination, reinforcing its reputation among international travellers and industry observers.