The 9th edition of the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) 2025 has officially kicked off with its pre-event component, SATA Connect & Conversation (C&C), today at Cinnamon Grand Colombo, Sri Lanka. 

SATA C&C is a dynamic networking session where industry leaders, including top hotels, resorts, airlines, and travel agencies, showcase their latest products and innovations in an exhibition-style format. This segment provided a crucial platform for direct engagement and insight-sharing among key players in the South Asian travel sector.

The program began with opening remarks from Suraj Khan, SATA Vice President, followed by a warm welcome from Mr. Buddhika Hewawasam, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA). A key highlight of the event was the recognition of SATA Hospitality Partners for their contributions and support to SATA 2025 with hosting the Jury Members during the Evaluation Phase.

The day continued with two engaging panel discussions featuring influential voices, who offered valuable perspectives on the evolving tourism landscape. 

The first panel touched upon the topic of the future of hospitality, in terms of experiences, technology and revenue management. Below are the esteemed panelists:

1. Ugyen Tenzin - President, Hotels & Restaurants Association of Bhutan (HRAB)

2. Dinesh Hettiarachchi Group General Manager, Mandarina Colombo & Marine Bay Colombo

3. Hawwa Fareesha - Hotel Manager, Hulhule Island Hotel 

4. Tek Mahat Bahadur - Board Member, Hotel Association of Nepal 

5. Nazoomi Azhar - General Manager, Cinnamon Grand Colombo

The second panel was a conversation pertaining to the collective efforts in regional tourism with important decision makers. Below are the esteemed panelists:

1. Shiuree Ibrahim - Managing Director, Visit Maldives Corporation

2. Nalin Jayasundera - President, Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO)

3. Amal Goonetilleke - CEO, The Hotel Association of Sri Lanka (THASL) 

4. Nandini Lahe-Thapa - Retired Senior Director, Nepal Tourism Board

5. Sanjeev Kumar - President, Voyages Kerala/Confederation of Accredited Tours Operators

The program also included insightful presentations from Iuliana Rusei, Chief Underwriting Officer of Allied Insurance Company of the Maldives, and Ikram Hassan, CEO of FI-ES Systems.

The most anticipated SATA Gala ceremony will be held on 20th September, Saturday at Cinnamon Grand Colombo, Sri Lanka marking the start of one of the region's most anticipated celebrations of tourism and hospitality.

About South Asian Travel Awards (SATA)

SATA is an annual international awards ceremony recognizing excellence in the tourism and hospitality sectors across South Asia, fostering industry growth and innovation. Learn more by visiting our official website at; www.southasiantravelawards.com