Award Categories — SATA — South Asian Travel Awards

Best Promotion Campaign

4 categories

Campaign executed within the eligibility period (July 2025 - July 2026) Achieved measurable results supported by data or metrics Demonstrated creativity, originality, and innovation in concept, design, or execution Used well-planned multichannel or integrated marketing approach

Leading Adventure/Sports Tour Operator

8 categories

Scubadiving Kayaking Hiking Safaris Rafting Skydiving Support environmental conservation and local community engagement Qualified guides and high-quality equipment

Leading Airport Hotel

4 categories

Located within close proximity to an airport. Provides convenient transfer options such as dedicated shuttle services. Offers meet and greet service at the airport. Guest amenities and business facilities designed to meet the needs of air travelers.

Leading All-inclusive Hotel/Resort

3 categories

All-inclusive packages covering accommodation, dining, activities, and entertainment. Provides diverse experiences, including wellness, family-friendly, and cultural activities. Promotes sustainable operations, and well-trained staff.

Leading Beach Hotel/Resort

5 categories

Located directly on or adjacent to a well-maintained beach. Ensuring easy guest access to beach and high standards of cleanliness. Offers diverse beachfront experiences - water activities, dining, and entertainment. Safety and quality measures are set in place. Supported by sustainable beach management and community engagement initiatives.

Leading Boutique Hotel/Resort

4 categories

Establishment with a room inventory of 20 rooms or fewer. Showcases a distinctive design Personalized guest services Unique experiences that reflect its boutique identity.

Leading Budget Hotel

4 categories

Affordable accommodation - with comfort, cleanliness, and essential guest services. Value-for-money offerings, safety standards, and accessibility. Strategic location near transport/attractions Affordable dining options

Leading Business Hotel

5 categories

Meeting spaces Conference rooms Reliable high-speed connectivity Caters specifically to business travelers. Convenient location with tailored amenities, and professional services.

Leading City Hotel (40 Rooms above)

6 categories

Hotel must have 40 or above rooms Easy access to business districts Easy access to transport hubs Easy access to major city attractions Offers a range of dining options Offers concierge service

Leading City Hotel (40 Rooms below)

6 categories

Business facilities suited to urban travelers Access to business districts Access to transport hubs Access to major city attractions Dining options Concierge service

Leading Convention Center

5 categories

Convention center offers versatile spaces and facilities Host a wide range of events (weddings/corporate events) Capacity and technological infrastructure Provides event support in planning Customization options to meet organizers’ needs.

Leading Cruise Travel Agent

4 categories

Offering tailored itineraries across various cruise types and destinations Knowledgeable staff Efficient booking processes Exclusive offers or perks

Leading Designer Hotel/Resort

4 categories

Showcases innovative architectural and interior design Reflects creativity, functionality, and artistic influence Integrates local culture, heritage, and art into its design Applies sustainable and eco-friendly materials and practices

Leading Dive Center/Brand

6 categories

Offers a diverse range of dive sites and packages Qualified instructors High-quality and well-maintained equipment Adheres to strict safety protocols Provides training and certification programs for divers of all levels Engages in environmental conservation and community initiatives

Leading Dive Hotel/Resort

5 categories

Easy access to diverse dive sites Comprehensive dive packages Qualified guides and instructors Maintains high-quality accommodations Implements strict safety protocols for all diving activities

Leading Eco-Friendly Hotel/Resort

6 categories

Green certifications Energy and water conservation Sustainable sourcing Biodiversity conservation Waste management initiatives to minimize environmental impact. Engages employees and the local community in sustainability programs

Leading F&B Hotel/Resort

5 categories

Culinary excellence through creative, diverse, and high-quality culinary experiences Offers multi-cuisine dining options (outlets) Led by a highly skilled culinary team Locally sourced, sustainable ingredients Maintains strict food safety and hygiene standards

Leading Family Hotel/Resort

5 categories

Range of family-friendly activities Entertainment, and educational programs suitable for all ages Spacious rooms Babysitting services Ensures safety ަand convenience

Leading Fine Dining Outlet in Hotel/Resort

7 categories

Culinary creativity and excellence, led by a skilled and experienced culinary team High-quality ingredients Offers variety for diverse dietary preferences Exceptional ambiance Quality service Beverage pairings Curated culinary events

Leading General Sales Agent (GSA)

4 categories

Strong market knowledge Effective distribution networks Comprehensive product/service expertise. Innovative marketing strategies and partnerships

Leading Guest House/Tourist Inn

4 categories

Well-maintained accommodations Thoughtful facilities, amenities, and thematic or culturally inspired design High standards of cleanliness Safety, and security with trained staff

Leading Heritage Hotel/Resort

4 categories

Restoration and Conservation Showcases historical and architectural heritage Unique cultural experiences, events, and workshops that highlight local traditions, arts, and cuisine Engages with the community and promotes cultural preservation

Leading Hill Resort/Hotel

5 categories

Situated in a scenic hillside location Offers panoramic views and a serene natural ambiance Diverse outdoor activities Wellness programs Cultural experiences that leverage the hill environment.

Leading Hospitality Development Company

6 categories

Projects: Hotels, Resorts and Branded residences Partnerships with global hospitality brands Innovation in design and development Integrating local culture, architecture, and sustainable building practices Economic impact Social responsibility programs

Leading Liveaboard

6 categories

Offers access to diverse and high-quality dive sites Supported by experienced dive guides Well-maintained diving equipment Strict safety protocols for all diving activities Comfortable accommodations and culinary services Customized packages

Leading Liveaboard Brand

5 categories

Expertise in operating liveaboards Access to diverse dive destinations Professional dive guides and well-maintained equipment High-quality accommodations, dining, and services Engages in sustainability

Leading Luxury Hotel/Resort

6 categories

Spacious, stylishly designed rooms with premium furnishings Superior Bathrooms with exclusive amenities In-room dining and gourmet restaurants World-class wellness and spa facilities Attentive staff, 24/7 concierge, and dedicated butlers Pools and Fitness Centers

Leading Meeting and Conference Hotel/Resort

6 categories

Offers state-of-the-art meeting, versatile spaces and event facilities Cutting-edge technology Integrated event support services Comfortable accommodations and quality catering Networking opportunities tailored for event attendees Ensures accessibility, innovative technology integration, and operational excellence

Leading Palace Hotel

6 categories

Preserves and showcases historical and architectural heritage Offers luxurious accommodations and elegant furnishings Provides royal-inspired personalized services, fine dining, cultural immersion, and wellness experiences Grand event spaces Landscaped gardens Initiatives for heritage preservation

Leading Passenger Sales Agent (PSA)

5 categories

Efficient passenger handling Flight coordination Adherence to safety protocols for a smooth travel experience Lounges options Support for travelers with special needs

Leading Resort/Hotel Brand

8 categories

A clear and unique identity Consistent quality across all properties High standards in accommodations, service, and dining Technology integration Sustainability initiatives Employee training programs Engages in social responsibility Community initiatives and strategic partnerships

Leading Riverfront Hotel/Resort

8 categories

Located at a scenic riverfront location Waterfront accommodations and river views A serene natural ambiance Provides a range of river-related activities Riverfront dining Riverfront spa and wellness experiences Cultural immersion programs Riverfront conservation initiatives

Leading Supervision Agent (General Aviation Service)

6 categories

Aircraft supervision Ground handling services Maintenance oversight Flight planning support Crew assistance to guarantee smooth and safe aviation operations Advanced technology integration

Leading Surf Hotel/Resort

7 categories

Surfing facilities Surfing lessons Surf packages Expert guides to ensure a high-quality surfing experience for all skill levels Diverse wave options Well-maintained surfboards Organizes surf events or competitions to promote surfing culture

Leading Tourist Transport Provider (Air)

5 categories

High-quality and well-maintained fleet Strict safety standards Reliable punctuality across its route network Reliable in-flight services Accessibility for all passengers

Leading Tourist Transport Provider (Land/Sea)

3 categories

Operates licensed, well-maintained land or sea transport services Maintains clear safety procedures, trained staff, and consistent service standards. Enhances tourist mobility by improving access to key attractions, resorts, or transport hubs

Leading Travel Agent - Inbound

4 categories

Delivers customized itineraries tailored to diverse traveler interests. Maintains strong local partnerships Multilingual support Ensures seamless travel experiences with high-quality services

Leading Travel Agent - Outbound

5 categories

Delivers tailored outbound travel packages catering to diverse traveler interests and budgets Maintains exclusive international partnerships Provides multilingual support Ensures smooth logistics and seamless travel experiences for clients Offers travel insurance

Leading Wedding Hotel/Resort

9 categories

Offers elegant and versatile wedding venues Expert planning services Customizable packages Seamless event coordination Exceptional catering Décor options Themed setups Gourmet menus Entertainment arrangements

Leading Wellness and Spa Brand

5 categories

Signature treatments Personalized programs Expertly trained therapists integrating physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing Serene environment with facility design and tranquil ambience Use of natural products

Leading Wellness and Spa Hotel/Resort

7 categories

Wellness programs for guests Signature spa treatments Combines traditional healing techniques Personalized consultations Expert-led retreats promoting holistic well-being World-class spa and fitness amenities Wellness-focused cuisine

Leading Wildlife Lodge, Tented Camp

8 categories

Offers immersive wildlife experiences Guided safaris Photography tours Accommodations combine rustic charm and modern comfort Tented or lodge-style settings designed to blend seamlessly with the environment Strong commitment to conservation and community engagement Local partnerships Habitat preservation

Most Romantic Resort

10 categories

Offers intimate and luxurious accommodations Private villas and suites Overwater bungalows Provides exclusive romantic experiences Candlelit dinners Sunset cruises Couples’ spa treatments Private excursions Romance-focused services Wedding and proposal planning

Nishan Seneviratne Best CSR Programme

7 categories

Strong commitment to community development Impactful initiatives in education Livelihood improvement and healthcare Implements effective environmental and sustainability programs Waste management Climate resilience efforts Community empowerment initiatives

Outstanding Chef

6 categories

Strong foundation in culinary Wide range of cooking techniques and methods Keeps menu fresh with innovative dishes Strong leadership skills and management Ensures smooth operations in high-pressure enviroments Adapt to meet guest expectations and preferences.

Outstanding Young Hotelier (Under 40 Years)

3 categories

Strong leadership and innovation in hotel operations Clear positive impact on the team or guest experience Dedicated to learning, growth, and contributing to the hospitality industry.

South Asia’s Best GM

7 categories

Currently holds GM position Exceptional leadership and vision with overall experience surpassing 15 - 20 years Inspiring teams and driving operational excellence across all areas of hotel management Strong business results Improvements in revenue, efficiency, and overall performance during tenure Staff development Not a previous winner: Winner of this category from the previous year is not eligible to compete in the same category this year.

South Asia’s Best New Hotel/Resort

5 categories

Hotel/resort must have opened within the last 1–2 years Exceptional service culture Unique and appealing design Seamless technology andcommunication Convenience and prime location

Visitors Choice Awards - Leading Airport Lounge

8 categories

Comfort, seating, and ambience Quality and variety of food and beverages Staff service and hospitality Cleanliness and hygiene standards Availability of facilities and amenities Wi-Fi quality and business services Accessibility and ease of entry Operating hours and convenience

Visitors Choice Awards - Leading International Airline

9 categories

Overall passenger satisfaction and reviews Cabin comfort and cleanliness Quality of in-flight service Food and beverage experience On-time performance and reliability Ease of booking and check-in Consistency across routes and classes Baggage handling efficiency Customer service and issue resolution