Bhutan Honoured as Best Leading Heritage Destination at SATA 2025

Bhutan wins its first South Asian Travel Awards title, honoured as Best Leading Heritage Destination at SATA 2025 in Sri Lanka, with Bhutanese hotels earning multiple accolades.

Bhutan has been awarded the Best Leading Heritage Destination at the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) 2025, marking the country’s very first recognition at the prestigious event. The ceremony, held yesterday in Colombo, celebrated excellence across South Asia’s travel and hospitality industry.

A Milestone for Bhutanese Tourism

Established in 2016, SATA shines a spotlight on outstanding contributions to regional tourism. For Bhutan, this award not only acknowledges the nation’s cultural and heritage wealth but also signals new opportunities in the competitive South Asian market.

The Hotel and Restaurant Association of Bhutan (HRAB) expressed optimism that the accolade will elevate Bhutan’s visibility, particularly among travellers seeking cultural and heritage experiences. HRAB also noted that the recognition could attract international partnerships and investments to strengthen the country’s tourism infrastructure.

Bhutanese Hotels Shine at SATA 2025

Beyond the national award, Bhutanese hotels and resorts earned multiple accolades:

• Zhiwaling Heritage: Gold for Heritage Hotel and Silver for Leading Eco-Friendly Resort

• Le Méridien Paro Riverfront: Gold for Best Riverfront Resort

• Druk Hotel and Dralha Hotel: Recognised as Leading City Hotels (above and below 40 rooms)

• Terma Linca Resort: Winner of Leading Spa & Wellness Resort and Leading Conference & Meeting Hotel

• Hotel Tashi YiD Wong Grand Hotel: General Manager honoured with the Best General Manager award

The gala brought together more than 1,500 tourism professionals from Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan, underscoring the regional importance of the event.

Strengthening Regional Partnerships

As part of the SATA Connects and Conversations programme at Hotel Cinnamon Grand, HRAB board members and delegates actively engaged with leading hotel groups and tour operators from across South Asia. The discussions fostered collaboration and the exchange of insights, setting the stage for stronger partnerships.

The event also featured a high-level panel on the future of hospitality, exploring guest experience, technology, and revenue management. HRAB Chairman Mr. Ugyen Tenzin represented Bhutan in the session, contributing perspectives on how evolving industry trends could shape the country’s hospitality sector.

Bhutan’s Stronger Voice in SATA

A proud moment came with the appointment of Mr. Kuenzang Thinley, Vice Chairman of HRAB, as the SATA Chapter Chair for Bhutan. This official recognition not only enhances Bhutan’s representation in the South Asian tourism landscape but also strengthens its role in shaping future hospitality dialogues within the region.