The 9th South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) 2025 unfolded in Colombo, bringing together hospitality luminaries, tourism officials, and industry stakeholders from Sri Lanka, Maldives, India, Bhutan, Nepal, and Bangladesh. The Gala, held at the Cinnamon Grand Colombo, celebrated outstanding contributions in hospitality, travel, and destination development.
On the evening, 53 Gold and 113 Silver awards were conferred across multiple categories, spotlighting service excellence, innovation, and resilience. These honors reflected not just individual achievements but the collective spirit energizing South Asia’s tourism landscape.
A marquee moment was the presentation of SATA–Faces of South Asia, which recognized leaders whose lifelong work shaped the region’s hospitality narrative. This year’s honorees included Nandini Lahe-Thapa (Nepal), Jyoti Mayal (India), Mohamed Waheeduddeen (Maldives), and the late Deshamanya D. Harry S. Jayawardena (Sri Lanka). In a poignant tribute, Jayawardena’s daughter accepted the award and said, “The late Chairman was a remarkable icon … whose keen eye for calculated risk-taking propelled Sri Lankan enterprise across the regional landscape…”
The Visitors’ Choice Awards, decided by global traveler votes, recognized Maldives as Leading Adventure Destination, Bhutan for Leading Heritage Destination, and Sri Lanka for both Leading MICE and Leading Wellness Destinations.
Gold Award winners included leading players such as Aitken Spence Travels (Inbound), Hayleys Travels Pvt Ltd (Outbound), The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Shangri-La Colombo, Hilton Kathmandu, and others across airlines and resorts. SriLankan Airlines took home the Leading International Airline title, and Trans Maldivian Airways earned recognition in tourist air transport.
Since its inception in 2016, SATA has grown into a flagship regional awards platform, endorsed by numerous tourism organizations. This year’s gala was more than a ceremony—it was a unifying celebration of innovation, heritage, and shared vision for South Asia’s tourism future.
South Asian Travel Awards 2025 Gala in Colombo
