Bhutan’s cultural heritage and diverse hospitality offerings earned regional recognition at the 10th South Asian Travel Awards in the Maldives. The country was named the Best Leading Heritage Destination, while the seven participating hotels and resorts won a total of 10 awards. The recognition, while highlighting Bhutan’s diverse hospitality offerings, has raised the importance of preserving the country’s cultural identity as tourism develops.
Bhutan won the Best Leading Heritage Destination Award at the regional competition for the second consecutive year.
In individual categories, Paro Kaachi Grand won the Leading City Hotel (Above 40 Rooms) and Leading Airport Hotel. Likewise, Paro’s Zhiwaling Heritage received awards in two categories: Leading Designer and Leading Heritage Hotel or Resort.
Dumra Farm Resort in Punakha was named the Leading Boutique Resort as well as the Leading Eco-Friendly Resort.
Meanwhile, Hotel Druk in Thimphu was recognised in the Leading Food and Beverage Hotel category, while Dawa Hilltop by Heeton in Paro won the Leading Hill Hotel/Resort award.
Le Méridien Paro, Riverfront, received the Leading Riverfront Hotel/Resort award.
General Manager of Zhiwaling Heritage Rinzin Lhamo said, “We are very excited that this time we have received two silver certificates, one for the Leading Designer Hotel and the other for the Leading Heritage Hotel. We are working very hard and look forward to achieving a gold certificate next year.”
Hotel Druk’s Manager Ugyen Dorji said, “Our goal is to gradually achieve a gold certificate. Hundreds of people from across the region are interacting with one another, giving us an opportunity to introduce Bhutan to them and help them learn more about our country. This will also help promote tourism in Bhutan. It is a great platform to showcase our country across the South Asian region.”
“We participated in the 10th South Asian Travel Awards and won in two categories. We look forward to working harder, participating in future editions and winning more awards,” added the owner of Dumra Farm Resort, Rinzin.
This year, the awards programme also introduced two new categories. Among them, Rema Resort in Paro received the Outstanding Young Hotelier award.
Tshering Phuentsho, owner of Rema Resort, said, “As His Majesty always says, it is a matter of doing it or not doing it. If you try hard, nothing is impossible. I am confident that young Bhutanese can achieve anything, anywhere in the world, if they put their heart and soul into whatever they do.”
According to Kuenzang Thinley, Chair of the South Asian Travel Awards Programme in Bhutan, the recognitions will contribute to the development of Bhutan’s tourism and hospitality sectors.
“We are very happy to be part of the South Asian Travel Awards, which is being held in the Maldives. I congratulate all the winners across the different categories. These awards will go a long way in promoting and marketing tourism in the region. We are also planning to host the SATA awards in Bhutan next year. Discussions are underway, and we will keep everyone informed,” said Kuenzang Thinley, the chair of the SATA Programme in Bhutan.
The South Asian Travel Awards have been held annually since 2016, bringing together six countries: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, the Maldives, and Sri Lanka.
For Bhutan, the recognitions offer an opportunity to highlight its tourism products beyond a single type of visitor experience. The task now is to translate them into lasting value by maintaining service standards, protecting cultural heritage and supporting sustainable tourism.
Phurba, Male, Maldives
Edited by Sonam Wangdi
