Shakawath Hossain Wins Best Sustainable Tourism Initiative of the Year at the First-Ever Bangladesh Tourism Award 2026
Md. Shakawath Hossain, Chief Executive Officer of Unique Hotel & Resorts PLC, the owning company of The Westin Dhaka, Sheraton Dhaka and HANSA – A Premium Residence, has received the Best Sustainable Tourism Initiative of the Year Award at the first-ever Bangladesh Tourism Award 2026 for his copyrighted intellectual property, “Shakawath’s Six Control Points for Food Cost Optimization.” Organised by the Bangladesh Tourism Board under the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism (MOCAT), the programme was held at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka, as part of World Tourism Day 2026. The award was handed over to Shakawath by the chief guest, M. Rashiduzzaman Millat, MP, Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism.
The Bangladesh Tourism Award 2026 recognised excellence across 16 categories covering tourism, hospitality, innovation and sustainability. Awards were given to selected individuals, organisations and initiatives for their contributions to the sector. Among the distinguished attendees were Abul Kalam Azad Siddique, MP, Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism; Fahmida Akhter, NDC, Secretary of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism; Barrister Mutasim Billah Faruqui, Chief Executive Officer of the Bangladesh Tourism Board; and Md. Shamimuzzaman, Chairman of the Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation. The presence of ministers, Members of Parliament, senior government officials, tourism leaders, academics and industry professionals made the programme a significant national gathering for Bangladesh’s tourism sector.
The Six Control Points framework was recognised as a breakthrough for the hospitality and tourism industry, introducing an effective and practical approach to food cost optimization that reduces food wastage, delivers cost savings and promotes the responsible use of resources. An original contribution by Md. Shakawath Hossain, the framework bridges academic theory with practical application and has delivered proven results. Following a rigorous review, the judging panel unanimously determined that “Shakawath’s Six Control Points for Food Cost Optimization” is a pioneering sustainable initiative worthy of national recognition.
“This award marks a significant milestone for the Six Control Points initiative and reflects its contribution to sustainable hospitality. We are working to take the framework nationwide across Bangladesh’s hospitality sector and explore opportunities for its future adoption across international hotel and restaurant chains.” said Shakawath.
With over 25 years of professional experience, Shakawath leads Unique Hotel & Resorts PLC. Under his leadership, the company continues to contribute to Bangladesh’s premium hospitality sector through operational innovation, service excellence and sustainable business practices. Beyond his corporate role, he is actively involved in various industry associations and professional organisations. He also serves as an Adjunct Faculty Member at the Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management, University of Dhaka, where he is currently pursuing a PhD in the same discipline. He also holds MPhil and MBA qualifications in the same field. Through his continued engagement in academia, research and professional development, he is working to build industry capacity, shape future hospitality leaders and inspire the younger generation to contribute meaningfully to Bangladesh’s tourism and hospitality industry.
This latest honour adds another notable achievement to Shakawath’s professional journey. His previous recognitions include Tourism Face of South Asia at the South Asian Travel Awards 2024, Best Hospitality Icon at the American Curry Awards 2025, Tourism Leadership Excellence Award 2026 and Who’s Who Bangladesh Award 2026. Beyond his corporate achievements, he is known for his contributions to tourism education, research and policy development. He is recognised as the only Bangladeshi hotelier who simultaneously serves as an industry practitioner, academician and researcher, and is a Capstone Fellow of the National Defence College.