Md. Shakawath Hossain, Chief Executive Officer of Unique Hotel & Resorts PLC, has been honored with the prestigious Tourism Leadership Excellence Award 2026 at the 2nd TOAB International Tourism Award 2026 (TITA), recently held by the Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh (TOAB). The award was presented by the state minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism, M. Rashiduzzaman Millat, MP, in recognition of his visionary leadership, professional excellence, and remarkable contribution to Bangladesh\u2019s hospitality and tourism industry, with special emphasis on his role in introducing Cricket Tourism to Bangladesh for the first time and opening a new frontier for the country\u2019s tourism sector.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He is widely recognized as the pioneer of Cricket Tourism in Bangladesh and as the one who made the first-ever agreement between the Bangladesh Tourism Board (BTB) and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). This landmark initiative created a new platform to promote Bangladesh through sports, hospitality, culture, and international tourism, while opening new opportunities for positioning the country on the global tourism map.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The award ceremony celebrated excellence across 13 categories in the tourism, hospitality, and aviation sectors. The presence of ambassadors, high commissioners, and representatives from around 10 countries, along with respected dignitaries, directors, TOAB members, industry leaders, and tourism professionals, made the event a significant gathering for Bangladesh\u2019s tourism sector.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Under the leadership of Md. Shakawath Hossain, Unique Hotel & Resorts PLC\u2014the owning company of The Westin Dhaka, Sheraton Dhaka, and HANSA \u2013 A Premium Residence\u2014has continued to play an important role in strengthening Bangladesh\u2019s premium hospitality landscape. With over 25 years of professional experience, including more than five years in executive leadership roles, he has contributed to enhancing service standards, destination branding, sustainable hospitality practices, and the broader growth of the country\u2019s tourism industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This latest honor adds another notable milestone to Md. Shakawath Hossain\u2019s distinguished professional journey. Over the years, he has received several prestigious accolades, including Tourism Face of South Asia by South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) 2024, Best Hotelier of Bangladesh 2024 at the Hi-Aim Conference in Nepal, Best Hospitality Icon at the American Curry Awards 2025, Asian Curry Award 2021 by Asian Catering Federation, UK, Most Awarded Hotelier of 2024 by BIHA, and Who\u2019s Who Bangladesh Award 2026 in the field of Professionals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Beyond his corporate achievements, Md. Shakawath Hossain is also known for his contribution to tourism education, research, and policy development. He is recognized as the only Bangladeshi hotelier who simultaneously serves as an industry practitioner, academician, and researcher, and is a Capstone Fellow of the National Defense College.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He is actively involved in various industry organizations and serves as an Adjunct Faculty Member at the Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management, University of Dhaka. He is currently pursuing a PhD in the same discipline and holds MPhil and MBA qualifications in Tourism and Hospitality Management.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Through Shakawath Hossain\u2019s 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\u2019s tourism and hospitality industry.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"