Maldives triumphs at SATA 2024 with 30 awards, including Leading Beach Destination

The Maldives has once again reaffirmed its status as a top global tourism destination, securing an impressive 30 awards at the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) 2024. The prestigious ceremony was held on Friday, September 20, 2024, at Aloft Kathmandu, Nepal, and was supported by the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and the Hotels Association of Nepal (HAN).

The Maldives was honoured with 15 SATA Gold Awards, celebrating excellence across various sectors of its hospitality and tourism industry. Notably, it received the highly coveted Visitors’ Choice Award for Leading Beach Destination, underscoring its reputation as a premier destination for beach vacations. This accolade adds to the Maldives’ previous wins in the same category in 2023, 2017, and 2016. Along with the Gold Awards, the Maldives also garnered 14 SATA Silver Awards, further highlighting its achievements across multiple categories.

The event featured a SATA Conversation Panel Discussion on “Regional Tourism in South Asia – Challenges & Connectivity,” which brought together key industry leaders. Representing the Maldives, Mr. Ibrahim Shiuree, CEO and Managing Director of Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC/Visit Maldives), participated in the panel alongside other notable figures such as 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 the Nepal Tourism Board. The discussion was moderated by Ishan Koul of Naaz Hotel Consultants.

During the panel, CEO Shiuree emphasised the importance of regional tourism cooperation and highlighted the Maldives’ appeal as an attractive short-haul destination for South Asian travellers. He stated, “The Maldives offers a unique blend of pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life. These natural attractions make us a highly desirable destination, especially for short-haul tourists from South Asia. I believe our valuable and enriching experiences play a significant role in advancing the regional tourism sector.”

Since its inception in 2016, SATA has recognised outstanding achievements in South Asia’s hospitality and travel industry. The Maldives’ remarkable success at SATA 2024 underscores its commitment to maintaining high standards in hospitality and tourism, further solidifying its position as a premier destination in the region.