On October 20 SATA honoured Maldivian tourism pioneers, Mohamed Moosa and Hussain Afeef, with the prestigious “Face of South Asia” awards for their remarkable contributions to the tourism sector during a special ceremony in the Maldives.
The awards were presented by Suraj Khan, Vice President of SATA, who first recognised Mohamed Moosa, Chairman of Champa Brothers. A trailblazer in Maldivian tourism, Moosa has become an iconic figure through his deep understanding of tourists’ evolving needs and his passion for hospitality. Under his leadership, Champa Brothers has grown into a major player in the tourism and hospitality industries, both in the Maldives and internationally. His business ventures extend to agriculture, fisheries, real estate, water desalination, and financial services, making him a key figure in the nation’s economic growth. Additionally, Moosa has received special presidential recognition for his environmental conservation efforts in the Maldives.
Hussain Afeef, Chairman of Crown Company, was also celebrated for his pivotal role in developing the Maldivian tourism industry. A pioneer with over five decades of leadership in the sector, Afeef holds interests in multiple resorts and international ventures. He is a major shareholder in KASA Holdings, which is involved in the development of Addu International Airport, and a stakeholder in Champa Brothers, one of the largest operators in Maldivian tourism. His contributions extend to his involvement with the government, where he serves on the Economic Advisory Council to the President of the Maldives and as Vice Chairman of the Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI).
In addition to these recognitions, SATA also posthumously honoured other South Asian pioneers, including the late Ambica Shrestha and Karna Sakya from Nepal, as well as Md Shakawath Hossain from Bangladesh. These awards celebrated their significant contributions to the tourism industries in their respective countries, underscoring SATA’s commitment to honouring individuals who have shaped the tourism landscape across the region.
The event concluded with warm congratulations to Mohamed Moosa and Hussain Afeef, acknowledging their lasting legacies and ongoing contributions to the Maldivian tourism industry. SATA extended its heartfelt congratulations to all honourees and reaffirmed its commitment to fostering excellence in South Asian hospitality.
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