The Maldives has once again demonstrated its prominence in the regional tourism industry, securing 36 awards at the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) 2025, held in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

This year, the Maldives won 15 Gold Awards and 21 Silver Awards across a wide range of categories, showcasing the nation’s strength as a leading travel destination.

Among the major Gold Award winners were:

  • South Asia's Best General Manager – Ahmed Zahir, Angsana Velavaru
  • Most Romantic Resort – You & Me Maldives
  • Leading Beach Resort – Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives
  • Leading Luxury Resort – The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands
  • Leading Dive Centre – Best Dives (Pvt) Limited
  • Leading All-Inclusive Resort – Heritance Aarah
  • Leading Designer Resort – Cocoon Maldives
  • Leading Airport Hotel – Hulhulé Island Hotel
  • Leading Surf Resort – Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives
  • Leading Dive Resort – Adaaran Club Rannalhi
  • Leading Passenger Sales Agent – Villa Travels & Tours (Pvt) Ltd
  • Leading General Sales Agent – Ace Aviation Service Maldives
  • Leading General Aviation Services Agent – Avia Maldives
  • Leading Air Transport Provider – Trans Maldivian Airways
  • Leading Liveaboard – Maldives Legend
  • Leading Liveaboard Brand – Voyages Maldives
  • Visitor’s Choice – Leading Adventure Destination – Maldives

The Maldives also earned Silver Awards in categories such as Leading Travel Agent (Inbound and Outbound), Leading Eco-Friendly Resort, Leading Boutique Hotel, Leading Business Hotel, and Leading Wellness & Spa Resort, among others.

In addition to the country’s multiple wins, Mohamed Waheeduddin, Chairman of Bandos Island Resort, received the prestigious SATA Faces of South Asia Award in recognition of his lifetime contribution to the tourism and hospitality sector.

The SATA Awards, first launched in Colombo in 2016, have become one of the most respected platforms for recognising excellence in South Asia’s travel and hospitality industry.

The Maldives’ strong showing at SATA 2025 further cements its reputation as a world-class travel destination, continuing to attract global recognition for its resorts, services, and tourism leaders.