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.