South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) has received the endorsement from authorities of Nepal.

SATA, which was launched last year, was endorsed by the Nepal Tourism Board, allowing Nepalese properties to compete in the regional awards alongside hospitality brands from other South Asian countries including Maldives, India and Sri Lanka.

“The platform creates more opportunities within the destinations and Nepal tourism will have an elevation in the region,” a statement issued by the Board last week read.

SATA is the first ever regional travel awards endorsed by multi national associations, providing the tourism sector of the South Asian Region with recognition towards their facilities and service excellence. It aims to encourage and raise service standards in the region’s tourism industry.

The awards’ first edition, which wrapped up with a gala ceremony at the iconic Mount Lavinia Hotel in Sri Lanka, saw an overwhelming support with more than 260 nominations. Major travel media organisations, including Maldives Insider, Asian Traveller, Asian Geographic, Asian Diver and Floating Asia were appointed media partners of SATA 2016.