The South Asian
Travel Awards (SATA) is proud to announce the selection of a distinguished
panel of international jurors who will evaluate the nominees for the 2024
awards. This esteemed panel brings together a diverse array of expertise and
experience from across the travel and tourism industry. Below are brief
profiles of each jury member:
Jury Panel for
SATA 2024
Abdulla
Suood
With over 20
years of experience in Sales & Marketing, Mr. Suood has been a key voice in
the travel and hospitality industry. He has served as President of the Maldives
Association of Travel Agents & Tour Operators (MATATO) and is a co-founder
of the SME & Entrepreneurs Federation of Maldives (SEFM).
Akhtaruzzaman
Khan Kabir
Mr. Kabir has
extensive experience in regional tourism development and policy-making. His
contributions to the formulation of tourism policies have fostered growth and
sustainability in the industry.
Dilshan
Kudahetty
Mr. Kudahetty
is a respected commercial leader with over 20 years of experience in the travel
industry. He has extensive expertise in airline management, hotel and
destination management, and regional business development in South Asia and Far
Eastern markets.
Dr. Sachin
Bansal
Dr. Bansal has
exhibited strategic leadership in the Indian tourism sector, creating multiple
flagships in culture and heritage. With two decades of experience, he has
utilized design thinking to harness new markets and co-create with host
communities.
Hinna Khalid
Ms. Khalid is a
professional consultant, researcher, lecturer, and writer with significant
contributions in educating and empowering people. Her expertise lies in social
research methods and primary healthcare management.
Ishan Koul
Mr. Koul brings
extensive experience in market analysis and tourism development to the SATA
jury. His strategic insights have made him a respected figure in the travel and
hospitality industry.
Mariyam
Noordeen
Ms. Noordeen is
the founder and president of the Chefs Guild of Maldives. With over 25 years of
experience in tourism and hospitality, she has trained and mentored over 4,000
students as the former Dean of the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Studies at
Maldives National University.
Sangeeta
Rana
Ms. Rana is the
Executive Director of the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Bhutan. She is
passionate about developing the tourism industry and works closely with
stakeholders worldwide. She brings a unique perspective from Bhutan, which
believes in “Gross National Happiness.”
Tek Bahadur
Mahat
Mr. Mahat is a
trailblazer in the travel and hospitality industry, known for his innovative
approach and commitment to excellence. His insights are highly valued by the
jury.
Abdul
Latheef
Co-Founder and
President of the SME & Entrepreneurs Federation, Mr. Latheef has extensive
experience in the tourism industry. He has served on policy boards and is
recognized for his contributions to sustainable tourism and hotel operations.
The South Asian
Travel Awards are dedicated to recognizing and rewarding excellence in the
travel and hospitality sector across the South Asian region. With the expertise
and diverse backgrounds of our jury panel, we are confident in our ability to
uphold the highest standards in evaluating the nominees for the 2024 awards.
The South Asian
Travel Awards (SATA) was established to recognize and reward excellence in the
travel, tourism, and hospitality industries across South Asia. SATA aims to
promote and improve the service standards within the region, providing a
platform for industry professionals to celebrate and acknowledge the best in
their fields.