The South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) 2026 has officially opened nominations, inviting leading travel and hospitality brands and professionals across South Asia to participate in one of the region’s most recognized industry recognition programmes.
Tenth Anniversary Edition
Marking its tenth year since inception in 2016, SATA has established itself as a respected travel and tourism accolade celebrating outstanding achievements across Sri Lanka, Maldives, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, and India. The awards recognize both established brands and individuals driving sector advancement through excellence, innovation, and leadership.
New Categories Introduced for 2026
The 2026 edition expands its scope with two new individual award categories:
- Outstanding Chef
- Outstanding Young Hotelier (Under 40 Years)
These additions spotlight culinary excellence and emerging leadership, reflecting evolving dynamics within South Asia’s hospitality industry and acknowledging individual talent alongside organizational achievements.
Industry Endorsements
SATA’s credibility is supported by endorsement from 15 leading international and government tourism bodies, including industry associations and national tourism organizations from across the region:
Government Tourism Bodies:
- Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA)
- Visit Maldives Corporation
- Nepal Tourism Board (NTB)
Industry Associations:
- Association of Professionals in Tourism (APT)
- Association of Tourism Trade Organizations, India (ATTOI)
- Association of Travel Agents (ATA)
- Bangladesh International Hotel Association (BIHA)
- Colombo Chamber of Commerce (CCC)
- Confederation of Accredited Tour Operators (CATO)
- Federation of Chambers of Commerce & Industry of Sri Lanka (FCCISL)
- Hotel and Restaurant Association of Bhutan (HRAB)
- Kerala Hotel General Manager Club (KHGMC)
- National Boating Association of Maldives (NBAM)
- Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO)
- Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO)
- The Hotels Association of Sri Lanka (THASL)
These endorsements underscore the awards’ standing and transparency within the regional tourism sector.
Regional Platform for Excellence
Over the past decade, SATA has been hosted in prominent destinations and venues across South Asia, including Sri Lanka, Nepal, India, and the Maldives. The annual ceremony brings together industry leaders and has become a significant fixture on the regional travel calendar, attracting senior executives, hoteliers, tourism professionals, and media representatives.
Award Categories and Evaluation
Winners are determined through a structured evaluation process conducted by a panel of experienced judges and industry experts. Award categories span diverse sectors including:
- South Asia’s Best New Hotel
- Leading Riverfront Hotel
- Leading Palace Hotel
- Leading Designer Hotel
- Outstanding Chef (New for 2026)
- Outstanding Young Hotelier Under 40 (New for 2026)
Additional categories recognize excellence across accommodation types, service standards, sustainability initiatives, and specialized tourism offerings.
Industry Impact
Beyond recognition, SATA functions as a platform for industry networking, collaboration, and knowledge exchange, supporting continued growth and global positioning of South Asia as a premier travel destination. The awards programme facilitates connections among hospitality professionals and promotes best practices across the region’s tourism sector.
Nomination Information
Nominations for SATA 2026 are now open.
- Submission Portal: https://www.southasiantravelawards.com/nominationCreate
- Deadline: April 25, 2026
- Eligibility: Travel and hospitality brands and professionals from Sri Lanka, Maldives, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, and India
Entries can be submitted online through the official SATA website. Detailed category descriptions, eligibility criteria, and submission guidelines are available on the nominations portal.
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