The Maldives has once again proven its prowess as a world-class tourism powerhouse, securing a remarkable 36 awards at the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) 2025. The prestigious ceremony, held on Friday, 20 September, in Colombo, Sri Lanka, was a testament to the country's diverse and dynamic tourism sector.
The highlight of the evening was the Maldives' victory in the coveted Visitors' Choice Award for Leading Adventure Destination. This is a significant win for Visit Maldives Corporation (VMC) as it validates VMC’s strategic efforts to diversify the country's tourism product beyond its traditional image of luxury and leisure. The Maldives received 16 Gold Awards and 19 Silver Awards, demonstrating excellence across a wide range of categories.
This year’s event also featured the SATA Connect and Conversation panel discussion on the topic of Collective Efforts in Tourism. Ibrahim Shiuree, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of VMC represented the Maldives on the panel. He was joined by prominent industry leaders, including Sanjeev Kumar, President of Voyages Kerala; Taufiq Rahman, Secretary General of the PATA Bangladesh Chapter; and Nandini Lahe-Thapa, Senior Director of Public Relations and Publicity/ Crisis Cell of Nepal Tourism Board. The discussion was moderated by Ishan Koul from Naaz Hotel Consultants.
During the panel, Shiuree highlighted the Maldives' commitment to sustainable and inclusive tourism, noting the significant growth of local island tourism. He pointed out that guesthouses now make up approximately 24 percent of the country's total bed capacity, attracting more than 300,000 visitors so far in 2025. He also spoke about initiatives to empower localcommunities, such as sourcing local produce and handicrafts, providing training for youth and women, and promoting cultural experiences to preserve Maldivian identity.
"Tourism growth must be inclusive, sustainable, and regionally connected, ensuring local communities and South Asia as a whole benefit from shared success," stated Shiuree.
Shiuree also emphasised the importance of regional collaboration, citing a new regional collaboration with Malaysia for joint marketing and eco-tourism initiatives. He discussed the development of twin-country packages with neighbouring nations like Sri Lanka and India, as well as efforts to improve regional air connectivity.
The achievements of the Maldives at SATA 2025 underscore the nation's dedication to maintaining high standards in hospitality and tourism, further solidifying its status as a premier destination in South Asia.