News
South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) receives overwhelming support

Maldives.net.mv – SATA 2016 scheduled for this October in Colombo , Sri Lanka has received a tremendous support from major international hotel brands present in Maldives , Sri Lanka and India.
The South Asian Travel Awards is the first ever regional Travel Awards endorsed by Multi-National organizations providing the Tourism sector of the South Asian Region with recognition towards their facilities and service excellence. The South Asian Travel Awards aims to encourage and raise service standards within the regions of the Tourism industry.
The endorsement of organizations include Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry in Sri Lanka (FCCISL), Colombo Chamber of Commerce (CCC), Confederation of Associated Tour Operators (India), Association of Travel Agents (ATA) Maldives, Association of Tourism Trade Organizations India (ATTOI), Kerala Hotel General Managers Club (KHGMC) and Liveaboard Association of Maldives (LAM).
The brand has its affiliations from regional associations ensuring the process within a smooth and transparent procedure. The judging panel will consist of 02 senior representatives from each destination (total of 06) with vast knowledge and background of the industry to assure an accurate and fair process. SATA is a Highrise concept in Collaboration with India and Sri Lanka.
SATA was open for nominations from 30th June until 15th August. The nominations were open with an initial press briefing at the Sri Lanka Tourism premises amidst the presence of the press and heads of regional associations.
SATA is as promising as its nominated brands. While everyone gets ready for the upcoming online voting from 20th Aug till 5th October 2016. SATA will be having its programme as a South Asian Travel Retreat during a weekend in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
SATA Opportunity : with an Investment Opportunity evening.
SATA Gala & Awards ; an event full of colors , entertainment and the grand award function.
SATA Celebrate : celebration of winners with a special gathering at the after event party.
Deadline to Nominate is (Monday) 15th August 2016 while SATA waits to receive nominations from more brands.
“We already have received many queries from major brands which has committed to come in as nominees., as of now we have over 160 nominations. So I believe, we are celebrating the best of South Asian Hospitality” with the best tourism brands – Tuan Saabir Vaffoor , Vice President , SATA.
Major Tourism Industry Medias including Asian Traveller, Asian Geographic, Asian Diver, Floating Asia and Maldives.net.mv has been appointed as media partners of SATA 2016.
Photo courtesy Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Maldives
Drink
Sirru Fen Fushi hosts Flor de Caña mixology event with Dinesh Mondkar
The Behind The Bar Sirru Icon series recently hosted a mixology event at Sirru Fen Fushi Private Lagoon Resort, featuring Dinesh Mondkar, Flor de Caña’s brand ambassador for India.
The event gave guests an opportunity to explore a selection of rum cocktails while learning more about the craftsmanship and heritage behind the Flor de Caña brand. Set against a sunset backdrop over the ocean, the session combined cocktail-making techniques, brand storytelling and a relaxed island setting.
Guests were introduced to a range of cocktails that highlighted bold flavours and the versatility of rum in contemporary mixology. The evening also offered insight into the methods and presentation behind premium cocktail service, adding an interactive element to the experience.
The event formed part of the resort’s ongoing Behind The Bar Sirru Icon series, which continues to bring recognised figures from the international spirits industry to the Maldives. Through the series, the resort aims to expand its food and beverage offering with curated events that connect guests with global brands and industry expertise.
Such experiences are designed to complement the wider guest programme by combining destination dining and beverage concepts with the setting of the Maldives, while offering visitors a more immersive way to engage with the resort’s hospitality offerings.
Featured
Angsana Velavaru marks reopening of upgraded futsal ground
Angsana Velavaru has reopened its futsal facility as part of efforts to enhance guest experiences and staff engagement through sport and community activities.
The reopening ceremony was officiated by Dhaalu Atoll Council president Ahmed Shafiu and the resort’s general manager, Ahmed Zahir, who jointly cut the ribbon to mark the occasion.
Located within the island grounds, the futsal court measures 57 metres by 38 metres and is intended to serve as a space for both recreational use and organised activities for guests and resort associates.
The resort said the facility would form part of its wider recreational offering and would host workshops and expert-led collaborations aimed at providing guests with sports-based experiences while also supporting skill development and interaction. It added that the initiative also reflects its focus on staff wellbeing, teamwork and active living.
The opening event included friendly matches between the Angsana Velavaru men’s and women’s teams, as well as an inter-resort match between the Angsana Velavaru Orange Army and Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru.
Adjacent to the futsal court is the resort’s upgraded watersports centre, which now includes updated guest facilities such as shower and changing areas.
Ahmed Zahir said the reopening of the futsal ground represented more than a recreational upgrade and reflected the resort’s commitment to creating meaningful experiences for both guests and associates. He said the facility would support active living, connection and wellbeing, while also serving as a space for learning and collaboration.
Angsana Velavaru, located in South Nilandhe Atoll, said the reopening of the futsal facility forms part of its wider efforts to expand its lifestyle and community-focused offerings.
Featured
World Art Day inspires new Graffiti Club at InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort
InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort has launched the Graffiti Club to mark World Art Day, introducing a team-led initiative focused on artistic expression, collaboration and storytelling through art.
The resort said the initiative brings together more than 18 team members from across different departments, reflecting a shared interest in creativity. As part of the project, selected back-of-house spaces have been turned into canvases, transforming staff areas into spaces for artistic work.
Inspired by the natural environment of the Maldives and the Maamunagau lagoon, the first set of artworks features marine life such as manta rays, whale sharks and sea turtles. The resort said the designs reflect the biodiversity of the destination and its connection to the surrounding ocean. Additional artwork is also being developed as the project continues.
InterContinental Maldives said the initiative is rooted in its brand culture and service philosophy, Inspire Incredible, and is intended to support creativity, collaboration and self-expression among team members.
Renuka Gupta, cluster director of learning and development, said creativity exists in every individual, regardless of role or background. She said the initiative was created to provide team members with a space to express themselves, connect with colleagues and contribute to the environment in which they work each day.
The resort said the Graffiti Club forms part of its wider approach to workplace culture, with a focus on creativity, wellbeing and personal expression alongside the guest experience.
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