Nominations are now officially open for the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) 2026, which will introduce new individual award categories.
Accordingly, leading travel and hospitality brands and professionals across South Asia have been invited to submit their nominations for recognition of excellence, innovation, and leadership.
Now in its tenth year since launching in 2016, SATA has become 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 honoring both established brands and individuals shaping the future of the sector.
For 2026, SATA introduces two new individual award categories:
Outstanding Chef
Outstanding Young Hotelier (Under 40 Years)
These additions highlight culinary excellence and emerging leadership, reflecting the evolving dynamics of South Asia’s hospitality industry.
The awards’ credibility is reinforced by endorsements from 15 leading international and government tourism bodies.
Over the years, SATA has been hosted in prominent destinations across South Asia, including Sri Lanka, Nepal, India, and the Maldives, bringing together senior executives, hoteliers, tourism professionals, and media for an annual celebration of achievement.
Winners are selected through a structured evaluation process conducted by experienced judges and industry experts across diverse categories, such as South Asia’s Best New Hotel, Leading Riverfront Hotel, Leading Palace Hotel, and Leading Designer Hotel.
SATA goes beyond recognizing excellence; it provides a key platform for networking, collaboration, and knowledge exchange, helping to strengthen South Asia’s position as a premier travel destination.