Online Desk: Thirteen top compliant hotels in Bangladesh have scooped the South Asian Travel Award (SATA)-2023 for their excellence in the domestic hospitality industry.

The winners are Radisson Blu Dhaka Water Garden, Sayeman Beach Resort, HANSA, Pan Pacific Sonargaon Dhaka, InterContinental Dhaka, Golden Tulip the Grandmark Dhaka, The Westin Dhaka, Ocean Paradise Hotel & Resort, Hotel Agrabad, The Palace Luxury Resort, Platinum Grand, Momo Inn Park & Resort, and Grand Sylhet Hotel & Resort.

Ashwani Nayar, general manager of InterContinental Dhaka, was awarded ‘South Asia’s Best GM’, while HM Hakim Ali ‘Tourism Faces of South Asia’ under South Asia’s ‘Best New Hotel/Resort Special Recognitions’.

The awards have been handed to the hotels and leaders of the hospitality industry at a programme hosted by the Bangladesh International Hotel Association (BIHA) at a city hotel recently.

Md Mokammel Hossain, secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, was present at the awards ceremony as the chief guest.

SATA stands as one of the most prestigious awards in the region, recognising hotels, airlines and organisations that significantly contribute to the growth of the travel and tourism sector.

The annual SATA event plays a crucial role in promoting the South Asian travel and tourism industry.

The awards ceremony highlights the accomplishments of hotels, airlines and destinations, fostering an environment of excellence and innovation.

BIHA, which represents over 51 international hotels and is a local agent for SATA, played a pivotal role in supporting and facilitating the awards here.

SATA has garnered endorsements from over 15 international and government agencies, including the Association of Professionals in Tourism (APT), Association of Tourism Trade Organisations, India (ATTOI), and the Maldives Marketing & PR Corporation (MMPRC).