Nominations are now officially open for the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) 2026, inviting leading travel and hospitality brands and professionals from across South Asia to be recognized for excellence, innovation, and leadership.
Now in its tenth year since inception in 2016, SATA has grown into one of the region’s most respected travel and tourism accolades, celebrating outstanding achievements from Sri Lanka, Maldives, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, and India. The awards continue to set industry benchmarks by recognizing both established brands and individuals driving the sector forward.
For the 2026 edition, SATA expands its scope with the introduction of two new individual award categories:
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Outstanding Chef
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Outstanding Young Hotelier (Under 40 Years)
These new categories spotlight culinary excellence and emerging leadership, reflecting the evolving dynamics of South Asia’s hospitality industry.
SATA’s credibility is reinforced by the endorsement of 15 leading international and government tourism bodies, including industry associations and national tourism organizations from across the region, underscoring the awards’ standing and transparency.
Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA)
Association of Professionals in Tourism (APT)
Association of Tourism Trade Organizations, India (ATTOI)
Association of Travel Agents (ATA)
Colombo Chamber of Commerce (CCC)
Confederation of Accredited Tour Operators (CATO)
Federation of Chambers of Commerce & Industry of Sri Lanka (FCCISL)
Hotel and Restaurant Association of Bhutan (HRAB)
Kerala Hotel General Manager Club (KHGMC)
National Boating Association of Maldives (NBAM)
Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO)
Visit Maldives Corporation
Nepal Tourism Board (NTB)
Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO)
The Hotels Association of Sri Lanka (THASL)
Bangladesh International Hotel Association (BIHA)
Over the years, SATA has been hosted in prominent destinations and venues across South Asia, including Sri Lanka, Nepal, India, and the Maldives, bringing together industry leaders for an annual celebration of achievement. The awards ceremony has become a key fixture on the regional travel calendar, attracting senior executives, hoteliers, tourism professionals, and media.
Winners are selected through a structured evaluation process conducted by a panel of experienced judges and industry experts, across a wide range of categories such as South Asia’s Best New Hotel, Leading Riverfront Hotel, Leading Palace Hotel, Leading Designer Hotel, and more.
Beyond recognition, SATA serves as a powerful platform for industry networking, collaboration, and knowledge exchange, supporting the continued growth and global positioning of South Asia as a premier travel destination.
Nominations for SATA 2026 are now open.
Entries can be submitted online via:
https://www.southasiantravelawards.com/nominationCreate
The deadline for submissions is April 25, 2026.