Md Shakawath Hossain, chief executive officer of Unique Hotel and Resorts PLC, has been honoured with the Tourism Leadership Excellence Award 2026 at the 2nd TOAB International Tourism Award, organised by the Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh.
According to a press release issued on Saturday, state minister for civil aviation and tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat presented the award to Hossain in recognition of his leadership, professional excellence, and contribution to Bangladesh’s hospitality and tourism sector, particularly his role in introducing cricket tourism to the country.
He played a key role in facilitating a first-of-its-kind agreement between the Bangladesh Tourism Board and the Bangladesh Cricket Board to promote Bangladesh through sports, hospitality, culture, and international tourism.
The award ceremony recognised excellence across 13 categories in the tourism, hospitality, and aviation sectors.
Under his leadership, Unique Hotel and Resorts PLC, the owning company of The Westin Dhaka, Sheraton Dhaka, and HANSA, has played a significant role in strengthening the country’s premium hospitality sector.
With over 25 years of professional experience, including more than five years in executive leadership roles, he has contributed to improving service standards, destination branding, sustainable hospitality practices, and the broader growth of the tourism industry, said the press release.
He has previously received several awards, including Tourism Face of South Asia at the South Asian Travel Awards 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 the Asian Catering Federation (UK), Most Awarded Hotelier of 2024 by BIHA, and Who’s Who Bangladesh Award 2026.
Beyond his corporate roles, Hossain is also engaged in tourism education, research, and policy development.
He is recognised as a practitioner-academic in the hospitality sector and serves as a Capstone Fellow of the National Defense College.
He is currently an adjunct faculty member in the Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management at the University of Dhaka and is pursuing a PhD in the same discipline, alongside MPhil and MBA qualifications in tourism and hospitality management.
The event was attended by ambassadors, high commissioners, and representatives from around 10 countries, along with tourism industry leaders, TOAB members, and other dignitaries.
