Our Story

Celebrating a Decade of Regional Excellence

The South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) was established in 2016 as the region's premier recognition platform for outstanding achievement in travel, tourism, and hospitality across South Asia.

From boutique resorts and adventure tour operators to airlines, destination management companies, and national tourism boards — SATA shines a spotlight on the organisations and individuals who define the region's travel identity.

Each year, thousands of nominations pour in from across Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, with winners chosen through a combination of industry jury evaluation and verified public voting.

SATA is more than an awards ceremony — it is a benchmark of trust, quality, and innovation for the entire South Asian travel ecosystem.

Verified Voting

Every public vote is email-verified, ensuring authentic participation from genuine travellers and industry stakeholders.

Expert Jury

A panel of respected industry veterans evaluates nominees across technical, sustainability and innovation criteria.

South-Asia Wide

Covering 7 nations across the subcontinent — one of the most geographically and culturally diverse regions on earth.

10+
Award Editions

Since 2016

6
Nations Covered

Across South Asia

50+
Categories

Across 8 verticals

10k
Nominations

Lifetime submissions

What Drives Us

Mission & Vision

Our Mission

To recognise, celebrate, and amplify the excellence of South Asia's travel and tourism industry — fostering healthy competition, encouraging innovation, and inspiring higher standards of service across the region.

Our Vision

To be the most trusted and respected travel awards platform in South Asia — where winning a SATA award is universally recognised as the hallmark of outstanding guest experience and industry leadership.

Independent Evaluation

Our Jury

Industry veterans representing travel, hospitality, sustainability, and tourism policy evaluate nominations with independent rigour.

Mariyam Noordeen

Mariyam Noordeen

Founder, Chefs Guild of Maldives

Dr. Mohamed Shareef

Dr. Mohamed Shareef

Managing Engineer, INSA Pvt Ltd / Former Vice Chancellor, Maldives National Univ...

Dr. Sachin Bansal

Dr. Sachin Bansal

Chief Revivalist®, Save Our Cultural Heritage® Foundation (SOCH™) / Founder, Ind...

Akhtaruz Zaman Khan Kabir

Akhtaruz Zaman Khan Kabir

Former CEO of the Bangladesh Tourism Board and Additional Secretary to the Gover...

Dinushka Chandrasena

Dinushka Chandrasena

Editor Travel Talk Asia /Director PR Skal Aisa Board/ IPP Skal International Col...

Mr. Ishaan Koul

Mr. Ishaan Koul

Head of Business Development, Align Hotels and Resorts Pvt. Ltd / Director, Naa...

Mr. Tek Bahadur Mahat

Mr. Tek Bahadur Mahat

Chief Executive Officer, Hotel Association Nepal

Mr. Kuenzang Thinley

Mr. Kuenzang Thinley

Vice Chairman, Hotels & Restaurants Association of Bhutan

Join the Movement

Be Part of SATA 2026

Whether you're nominating your brand, casting your vote, or partnering with us as a sponsor — your participation shapes the future of South Asian travel.