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The 8th South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) 2024 concluded with a grand celebration in Kathmandu, where the winners were honored at a prestigious Gala & Awards ceremony held at Aloft Kathmandu Thamel on Friday, September 20th. This year's event saw substantial participation from prominent figures in the hospitality industry, spanning various sectors such as hotels, resorts, airlines, travel agencies, lounges, and cruise lines. With endorsements from more than 18 tourism bodies across the region, the awards have solidified their reputation and importance in the travel sector.
The competition this year 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, along with Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) CEO, Mr. Deepak Joshi. Key members of NTB and other notable personalities from Nepal's tourism sector were also present, making it a grand celebration of South Asian hospitality excellence. Supported by NTB and the Hotel Association of Nepal (HAN), SATA 2024 recognized outstanding achievements and innovation within the hospitality industry while fostering a spirit of competition and cooperation among stakeholders.
A total of 51 Gold and 93 Silver category winners were announced during the ceremony. Nepal was named the Leading Heritage Destination, while the Maldives earned the title of Leading Beach Destination. The special “Faces of South Asia” awards were posthumously awarded to Late Ms. Ambica Shrestha, Mr. Karna Sakya, and Mr. MD Shakawath Hossain for their exceptional contributions to South Asian tourism.
SATA 2024's sponsors and partners demonstrated their strong support for the regional travel industry. Gulf Craft served as the Platinum Partner, while The Hawks, Velana International Airport, and Hotels and Resorts Investment Maldives (HARIM) were Gold Partners. Allied Insurance Company of the Maldives was the Insurance Partner, and Resort Life Travels and Bizspoke were Silver Partners. Key tourism partners included NTB and HAN, with Aloft Kathmandu Thamel and The Malla Hotel acting as Official Hosting Partners.
Prominent hospitality partners included Mandarina Colombo in Sri Lanka, Sheraton Grand Bangalore at Brigade Gateway in India, Akama Hotel and Hyatt Place in Nepal, Zhiwaling Heritage in Bhutan, and Manhattan Business Hotel in the Maldives. SATA President Mr. Ismail Hameed emphasized the importance of regional unity, stating, "We must work together to promote this region. SATA has come this far through collaboration, and there is still much more we can achieve together.”
SATA stands as a prestigious platform celebrating excellence in South Asia's travel and tourism industry, highlighting the latest trends and innovations that shape the sector. Beyond recognizing outstanding achievements, the event provides a unique opportunity for industry professionals to network, exchange ideas, and develop strategies to further enhance tourism across the region. By celebrating achievements and encouraging cooperation, SATA plays a key role in ensuring the sustainable growth of South Asia’s tourism sector, keeping the region at the forefront of global travel destinations.
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