South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) has named, the national airline, Maldivian as the Leading Domestic Tourist Transport Provider of South Asia. Maldivian won the award after competing with Nepal-China Joint Venture Airline, Himalaya Airlines. The gala and award of SATA 2017 was held at the Equator Village in Addu City on Saturday night.
SATA is the first ever regional travel awards, endorsed by multi-national associations, to recognise the facilities and services provided by the tourism sector of the South Asian region. Maldivian companies won the most number of awards at SATA 2017. In this regard, Maldivian companies won a total of 18 awards.
National airline of Maldives, Maldivian, was named as the Leading Domestic Tourist Transport Provider of South Asia. Hulhule Island Hotel (HIH) won Leading Airport Hotel in Maldives and Leading Airport Hotel in South Asia. HIH also won the award of Leading Business Hotel in Maldives.
Cinnamon Dhonveli won the award of Leading Surf Hotel/Resort in South Asia while Leading All Inclusive Hotel/Resort in Maldives and Leading All Inclusive Hotel/Resort in South Asia was conferred to Lux Maldives.
Meanwhile, Jumeirah Vittaveli was declared as the Leading Wellness and Spa Hotel/Resort in Maldives and Leading Wellness and Spa Hotel/Resort in South Asia. Leading Tour Operator in Maldives and Leading Tour Operator in South Asia was awarded to Inner Maldives.
Participants of SATA lauded the initiative in organising the event at the most Southern Atoll of Maldives. SATA demonstrated the craftsmanship and inventiveness of the people of Addu City. Evaluations were held by a panel of judges from August 13 to August 16, which was closely monitored by auditor Crowe Horwath Maldives. Award winners were selected both via online voting and evaluation by a panel of judges.
Over 450 international hospitality brands operating in Maldives, Sri Lanka, India, Nepal and Bhutan competed for awards in 34 categories in 10 segments.