The Maldives won an astounding 30 accolades at the South Asian Travel accolades (SATA) 2024, further solidifying its status as one of the top travel destinations in the world. The world-famous event was organized by the Hotels Association of Nepal (HAN) and the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and held on Friday, 20th September 2024, at the Aloft Kathmandu, Nepal.
The Maldives received recognition for excellence in several areas of our hospitality and tourism business with 15 SATA Gold Awards. In addition, the Maldives was recognized as a top option for vacationers looking for perfect beach vacations when it was awarded the coveted Visitors’ Choice Award for Leading Beach Destination. Prior to this year, the Maldives took home the title of Leading Beach Destination in 2023, 2017, and 2016. The Maldives won 14 SATA Silver Awards in addition to the Gold Awards, exhibiting distinction in a number of categories.
A SATA Conversation Panel Discussion on “Regional Tourism in South Asia – Challenges & Connectivity” was another highlight of the event, in which important figures from the industry took part. Alongside well-known individuals like Mr. Sanjeev Kumar, President of Voyages Kerala; Mr. Taufiq Rahman, Secretary General of the PATA Bangladesh Chapter; and Ms. Nandini Lahe-Thapa, Senior Director of PR and Publicity/Crisis Cell of Nepal Tourism Board, Mr. Ibrahim Shiuree, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director (CEO & MD) of Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC/Visit Maldives) represented the Maldives on the panel. Ishan Koul from Naaz Hotel Consultants moderated the panel.
CEO & MD Shiuree stressed the value of regional tourism cooperation and the Maldives’ allure as a short-haul vacation destination for South Asians during the panel speech. He stated, “The Maldives offers a unique combination of pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and diverse marine life. These natural wonders make us a highly desirable destination for tourists, especially for short-haul tourists from SA countries. I believe our worthwhile and value-added experiences contribute greatly to the growth and empowerment of the regional tourism sector.”
Since 2016, SATA has honored the top performers in the tourism and hospitality sectors in South Asia. The esteemed yearly occasion pays tribute to exceptional entities and persons in numerous categories. The Maldives’ outstanding performance at SATA 2024 highlights our commitment to upholding the highest standards in hospitality and tourism, further solidifying the country’s standing as a top South Asian travel destination.
