India Association of Tour Operators (IATO), the largest association of tour operators in India has endorsed South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) 2018.

SATA is the most prestigious award for travel and tourism stakeholders in the South Asia region. The brand is the first of its kind with affiliations from regional associations ensuring the process within a smooth and having transparent procedure. Having a panel of senior representatives from destinations with firm knowledge and background of the industry making it unique and rich when honoured.

According to High Rise, the organisers of the event, the third edition of the award, SATA 2018, is scheduled to be held in Mumbai, India in October. This years awards consist of 36 categories in 10 segments and nominations will be accepted till 15th March 2018 via regional focal points or through a direct email to nominee@satravelawards.com

High Rise reports top brands operating in the South Asian region have already nominated their properties for the awards.

the regional recognition brand , SATA is currently endorsed by the Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry in Sri Lanka (FCCISL), Colombo Chamber of Commerce (CCC), Maldives Marketing & PR corporation (MMPRC), Confederation of Associated Tour Operators (India), Association of Travel Agents (ATA) Maldives, Association of Travel and Tour Operators India ( ATTOI), Association of Professionals in Tourism (APT, India), Kerala Hotel General Managers Club (KHGMC), Nepal Tourism Board ( NTB) and Live aboard Association of Maldives (LAM). 

IATO, the latest organization to endorse SATA, has over 1,600 members.

Established in 1982, IATO is affiliated with tourism associations from multiple countries including the US, Nepal and Indonesia.The association is currently working on establishing ties with tourism associations from more countries in order to enrich and strengthen Indias tourism industry.