The 9th edition of the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) continued its successful run with the much-anticipated SATA Alliance Meeting, held at the City Club House Meeting Room, Cinnamon Grand Colombo.
The SATA Alliance brings together leading stakeholders from six South Asian nations—India, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh—to engage in solution-driven dialogue aimed at strengthening regional collaboration. The meeting provided a platform for participants to exchange ideas, address challenges, and explore strategies for sustainable growth and shared success across South Asia’s thriving tourism industry.
Set around a U-shaped table discussion, the session encouraged open dialogue, allowing all participants to share perspectives in a collaborative format. The conversation centered on how the region can collectively improve tourism offerings, foster stronger partnerships, and deliver seamless, world-class experiences to travelers.
The meeting began with welcoming remarks from Mr. Suraj Khan, Vice President of SATA, and was enriched by insights from distinguished industry leaders, including:
Mr. Buddhika Hewawasam – Chairman, SriLankan Airlines
Mr. Abdulla Ghiyas – Chairperson, Visit Maldives Corporation
Mr. Sanjeev Kumar – President, CATO
Mr. Kuenzang Thinley – Vice Chairman, HRAB (Bhutan Chapter)
Mr. Tek Bahadur Mahat – HAN
Mr. Himel Mohsin Hoq – Secretary, BIHA
Dr. Sachin Bansal – Chairperson, SATA India
Mrs. Jyoti Mayal – Chairperson, THSCA & Former President, TAAI
Ms. Amal Goonetilleke – CEO, THASL
Ms. Stassahani Jayawardena – Chairperson, Aitken Spence PLC & Aitken Spence Hotel Holdings PLC
Ms. Nadini Lahe-Thapa – Retired Senior Director, NTB
Mr. Abdulla Suood – Secretary General, MATATO
Mr. Sampath Nishanka – Managing Director, SLTDA
Mr. Shantikumar – President, THASL
Mr. Nishad Wijetunga – Immediate Past President, SLAITO
Mr. Nalin Jayasundera – President, SLAITO
Dr. Duiminda Kuruwitaarachchi – President, TAASL
Mr. Dheera Hettiarachci – Chairman, SLCB & CLITHM
Mr. Rohan Abeywickrema – President, ASMET
Mr. Dmitri Cooray – President, PATA
Mr. Ugyen Tenzin – Chairman, HRAB
The discussion concluded with closing remarks from Mr. Tuan Saabir Vaffoor and Mr. Sameer Yoonus, who thanked all attendees for their valuable contributions and emphasized SATA’s continued commitment to fostering unity and excellence in South Asian tourism.