The esteemed evaluation panel for the 10th annual South Asian Travel Awards (SATA 2026) has officially arrived in the picturesque historic town of Paro, Bhutan. This arrival marks the next critical phase in selecting the region’s top hospitality and travel brands.
The jury’s touchdown in Bhutan follows the successful completion of exhaustive, high-standard evaluation rounds across major South Asian hubs, including Colombo (Sri Lanka), Bengaluru and New Delhi (India), and Kathmandu (Nepal).
Bhutan’s unique, high value hospitality sector famed for its commitment to sustainable tourism and the principles of Gross National Happiness will be under the spotlight. The jury will spend the next few days assessing the exceptional properties and service providers that have earned nominations this year.
A Rigorous Journey Across South Asia :
The evaluation process in Bhutan is scheduled to continue through June 26, 2026. Following the final assessments in Paro, the jury will head to Dhaka, Bangladesh, to review the final regional nominees.
The grand journey will culminate in Malé, the capital city of the Maldives, where the data will be finalized ahead of the highly anticipated SATA 2026 Gala Ceremony later this year.
About SATA:
Celebrating its milestone 10th anniversary, the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) has grown since 2016 into the most prestigious travel trade accolade in the region. Endorsed by over 15 regional and international tourism bodies, it recognizes excellence, innovation, and leadership across the Maldives, Sri Lanka, India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh.
With nearly a thousand nominations competing across various categories, including the newly introduced Outstanding Chef and Outstanding Young Hotelier awards. The 2026 edition highlights the fierce competitiveness and post-pandemic growth of South Asian tourism. Public voting remains open alongside the physical jury evaluations, allowing travelers and industry stakeholders to voice their support via the official SATA platform.