SATA Honors Mr. Mohamed Moosa and Mr. Hussain Afeef for Pioneering Contributions to South Asian Tourism

The 8th Edition of the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) 2024 culminated in a vibrant celebration of excellence in the hospitality industry at the Gala & Awards ceremony held at Aloft Kathmandu Thamel on September 20th.

Recently on October 20, 2024, SATA presented the prestigious recognition to Maldivian tourism pioneers, Mr. Mohamed Moosa and Mr. Hussain Afeef, who were honored with the “Face of South Asia” awards for their extraordinary contributions to the growth and development of the tourism sector during a special ceremony held at Maldives.

During the event, Mr. Suraj Khan, Vice President of SATA, presented the “Face of South Asia” awards, beginning with the recognition of Mr. Mohamed Moosa , Chairman of Champa Brothers. A trailblazer in the Maldivian tourism industry, Mr. Moosa’s profound understanding of the evolving needs of tourists and his passion for hospitality have cemented his status as an iconic figure in the Maldives. Under his leadership, Champa Brothers has grown into a major player in the tourism and hospitality sectors, both in the Maldives and internationally. His business portfolio spans industries such as agriculture, fisheries, real estate, water desalination, and financial services, making him a key figure in the country’s economic growth. Mr. Moosa has also received special presidential recognition for his environmental conservation efforts in the Maldives.

Mr. Hussain Afeef, Chairman of Crown Company, was honored for his pivotal role in the development of the tourism industry. As one of the pioneers of Maldivian tourism, Mr.Afeef’s contributions span over 5 decades of leadership in the industry, with interests in multiple resorts and other international ventures. He is a key shareholder in KASA Holdings, which is involved in the development of Addu International Airport, and Champa Brothers, one of the largest operators in the Maldivian tourism sector. His involvement with the government includes serving on the Economic Advisory Council to the President of the Maldives and holding the position of Vice Chairman of the Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI).

This year, SATA also posthumously honored other trailblazers from South Asia, including Late Ms. Ambica Shrestha and Mr. Karna Sakya from Nepal, and Mr. Md Shakawath Hossain from Bangladesh. These awards recognized their significant contributions to the tourism industries in their respective countries, further highlighting SATA’s role in celebrating the people who have shaped the tourism landscape across the region.

The event concluded with heartfelt congratulations to both Mr. Mohamed Moosa and Mr. Hussain Afeef, with attendees acknowledging their legacy and continued contributions to the Maldivian tourism industry. SATA extends its warmest congratulations to all honorees and looks forward to further fostering excellence in South Asian hospitality.