Md Shakawath Hossain, chief executive officer of Unique Hotel & Resorts PLC (the owning company of The Westin Dhaka, Sheraton Dhaka, and HANSA Premium Residence), has been honoured with the Tourism Face of South Asia Award at the prestigious 8th Edition of the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) 2024.
The award ceremony took place on Friday at Aloft Kathmandu, Nepal, recognising leaders across the region for their exceptional contributions to the growth and development of the South Asian tourism industry. The Coin Award was handed over by Badri Prasad Pandey, minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation.
With a career spanning over 20 years, Shakawath Hossain has been a driving force in shaping the hospitality industry in Bangladesh. He is the only Bangladeshi hotelier who is an industry practitioner, academician, and researcher who is pursuing a PhD in Tourism & Hospitality Management at the University of Dhaka and has been recognised with multiple national & international awards. He is also the only hotelier in Bangladesh who started his career at scratch level, worked in different leadership capacities with Starwood International & Marriott International and now a CEO of Unique Hotel & Resorts PLC.
The Tourism Face of South Asia Award is one of the highest accolades at the South Asian Travel Awards, highlighting individuals who have not only contributed to their own country’s tourism sector but also made a significant impact across the entire South Asian region. This recognition further cements Shakawath’s legacy as a visionary leader in hospitality.
Commenting on his achievement, Md Shakawath Hossain said, “I am deeply honoured to receive this prestigious recognition. I would like to appreciate the collective efforts of my dedicated team and the continuous support from our partners, stakeholders, and the hospitality industry in Bangladesh. I remain committed to further innovating our country’s tourism potential and contributing towards creating an inclusive environment in the South Asian Hospitality & Tourism Market.”
The South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) has been recognising the best of South Asia’s hospitality and travel industry since 2016. The prestigious annual event honours stellar organisations and industry professionals in a wide array of categories, highlighting their contributions to the growth and promotion of tourism in South Asia.