Maldives recognised with 16 Gold and 19 Silver Awards at SATA 2025

The Maldives secured 36 awards at the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) 2025, held on Friday, 20 September 2025, at the Cinnamon Grand Colombo, Sri Lanka. The awards reflected the breadth of the country’s tourism sector, with the Maldives receiving 16 Gold Awards and 19 Silver Awards across a wide range of categories.

Among the highlights was the Maldives’ win in the Visitors’ Choice Award for Leading Adventure Destination. The award, received by Visit Maldives Corporation (VMC), recognised efforts to diversify the destination’s offerings beyond luxury and leisure.

This year’s programme also featured the SATA Connect & Conversation panel discussion under the theme “Collective Efforts in Tourism.” Ibrahim Shiuree, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of VMC, represented the Maldives on the panel. He joined Sanjeev Kumar, President of Voyages Kerala; Taufiq Rahman, Secretary General of the PATA Bangladesh Chapter; and Nandini Lahe-Thapa, Senior Director of PR and Publicity/ Crisis Cell of Nepal Tourism Board. The session was moderated by Ishan Koul of Naaz Hotel Consultants.

In his remarks, Shiuree highlighted the Maldives’ focus on sustainable and inclusive tourism. He noted that guesthouses now account for around 24 per cent of the nation’s total bed capacity, with more than 300,000 visitors recorded in 2025. He also referred to initiatives aimed at strengthening local communities, including the promotion of Maldivian cultural experiences, training for youth and women, and increased use of local produce and handicrafts.

“Tourism growth must be inclusive, sustainable, and regionally connected, ensuring local communities and South Asia as a whole benefit from shared success,” Shiuree stated. He further emphasised the importance of regional cooperation, referencing a recent memorandum of understanding with Malaysia for joint marketing and eco-tourism projects, as well as the development of twin-country packages with Sri Lanka and India. He also pointed to efforts to improve regional air connectivity.

The Maldives’ achievements at SATA 2025 reinforced the country’s position as a leading destination in South Asia and its commitment to maintaining high standards in hospitality and tourism.