The 8th Edition of the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) 2024 celebrated the region’s tourism excellence with a vibrant Gala & Awards ceremony at Aloft Kathmandu Thamel on September 20th. On October 20th, 2024, SATA presented its prestigious “Face of South Asia” awards to two Maldivian tourism trailblazers, Mohamed Moosa and Hussain Afeef, recognizing their extraordinary contributions to the growth and development of the tourism industry. The awards were conferred at a special ceremony held in the Maldives.
Suraj Khan, Vice President of SATA, presented the awards, beginning with Mohamed Moosa, Chairman of Champa Brothers. Moosa, a key figure in Maldivian tourism, was celebrated for his visionary leadership in hospitality and his significant contributions to the Maldives’ economic growth. Under Moosa’s guidance, Champa Brothers has become a major player in the tourism sector, expanding its reach internationally. Beyond tourism, his ventures span industries such as agriculture, fisheries, real estate, water desalination, and financial services. Moosa has also been recognized for his environmental conservation efforts in the Maldives, earning special presidential recognition.
Hussain Afeef, Chairman of Crown Company, was honored for his pivotal role in shaping Maldivian tourism over five decades. As a key shareholder in KASA Holdings and Champa Brothers, Afeef has contributed to the development of multiple resorts and international ventures. His leadership extends to his role on the Economic Advisory Council to the President of the Maldives and as Vice Chairman of the Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI). Afeef’s involvement in the Addu International Airport project further highlights his commitment to the country’s tourism infrastructure.
This year, SATA also posthumously recognized other South Asian tourism pioneers, including Late Ambica Shrestha and Karna Sakya from Nepal, and Md Shakawath Hossain from Bangladesh, for their invaluable contributions to the tourism industries in their respective countries. The ceremony concluded with heartfelt congratulations for both Moosa and Afeef, celebrating their legacy and continued impact on the Maldivian tourism industry.
