The prestigious South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) 2025 has officially opened nominations, inviting travel and hospitality professionals across the region to submit their entries. Since its establishment in 2016, SATA has recognized excellence in the tourism industry, honoring outstanding organizations and individuals from Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, and India. The awards have become a significant platform for recognizing exceptional contributions that shape the South Asian travel and hospitality landscape.

SATA has consistently raised the standard for tourism and travel accolades in the region, offering a platform to celebrate and encourage excellence in hospitality, travel agencies, tour operators, and related industries. Over the years, SATA has earned endorsements from 15 esteemed international and government agencies, further solidifying its credibility. These include the 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), Maldives Marketing & PR Corporation (MMPRC), Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO), The Hotels Association of Sri Lanka (THASL), and Bangladesh International Hotel Association (BIHA).

Marking its ninth edition, the SATA 2025 awards ceremony is scheduled to take place in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The event will bring together top executives, industry professionals, and stakeholders from across South Asia. The awards recognize achievements in various categories, ensuring a fair and competitive process that highlights the best in hospitality and tourism. Previous editions of SATA have been hosted in distinguished venues, including Aloft Kathmandu Thamel and The Malla Hotel in Kathmandu in 2024, Sheraton Grand Bangalore at Brigade Gateway in 2023, Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi in the Maldives in 2022, Amari Galle in Sri Lanka in 2019, Taj Palace in India in 2018, Equator Village in the Maldives in 2017, and Mount Lavinia Hotel in Sri Lanka in 2016.

Each year, a panel of esteemed judges and industry professionals evaluates nominees in various categories, recognizing achievements in areas such as South Asia’s Best New Hotel, Leading Riverfront Hotel, Leading Palace Hotel, Leading Designer Hotel, Best Sustainable Hotel Initiative, and Top Luxury Resort Experience. The winners are selected through a transparent evaluation process, ensuring that only the best in the industry receive recognition. The event not only honors excellence but also serves as a vital networking platform for industry stakeholders to engage, exchange insights, and explore emerging trends in the tourism and hospitality sector.

Nominations for SATA 2025 are now open, and interested properties, travel agencies, and tourism service providers can submit their entries online. The deadline for submissions is March 15, 2025.