Stellar performers in Bangladesh travel, tourism and hospitality are honoured

The recognition programme, first of its kind in the country, was organised by the travel and tourism publication the Bangladesh Monitor.

The programme is supported by Prime Bank PLC, a private-sector financial institution whose commitment to the industry's growth is unwavering. Online travel agency BuyTickets, travel technology provider Sabre, and tea brand Halda Valley are the programme's partners, each bringing their unique expertise and dedication to the table.

Winners of the recognition program were awarded at a gala award ceremony held at the InterContinental Dhaka yesterday. Peter A. Seamone, Chairman, PATA was the chief guest and handed over trophies to winners. Kazi Wahidul Alam, Editor, The Bangladesh Monitor; Abdul Muyeed Chowdhury, Chairman Biman Bangladesh Airlines; Abu Taher Md. Jaber, CEO of Bangladesh Tourism Board; Nazeem A. Chowdhury, Deputy Managing Director, Prime Bank PLC; Akhtaruzzaman Khan Kabir, Chairman of the jury board, also spoke.

Explaining the objective of introducing the program, Kazi Wahidul Alam, Editor, the Bangladesh Monitor said, "The initiative to establish the award is a testament to our commitment to fostering growth and excellence within the travel, tourism, and hospitality sectors in the country. By recognising the outstanding contributions of individuals, we aim to inspire a new generation of industry professionals who will be able to elevate Bangladesh's standing as a premier travel destination."

In his speech, Peter A. Seamone, Chairman of PATA, hoped, "With the right balance of economic, social, and environmental factors, Bangladesh tourism will flourish, enriching communities across the country in positive ways. PATA is committed to joining Bangladesh in this journey. However, Bangladesh must adopt sustainable practices to mitigate climate change and over-tourism threats."

A competent jury board comprising representatives from diverse professions and social groups selected the winners out of 184 entries. The selection was made based on the quality of the presentation, expert opinions, and other considerations. However, the audience's role was crucial, with a staggering one hundred and eight thousand online votes cast in different categories, showing their active participation and interest in the event.

The winners in different hospitality categories were a diverse mix, including The Westin Dhaka, The Peninsula Chittagong, HANSA Premium Residence, The Way Dhaka, Sea Pearl Beach Resort and Spa, InterContinental Dhaka, Pan Pacific Sonargaon Dhaka, Radisson Blu Dhaka Water Garden, Radisson Blu Chattogram Bay View, Sikder Resort and Villas, Hotel Grand Park Barishal, Momo Inn Park and Resort, The Palace Luxury Resort, Prego of The Westin Dhaka, Star Kebab, Hotel Kasturi, North End Coffee Roasters and The Garden Kitchen of Sheraton Dhaka.

In tourism categories, The Bengal Tours, Journey Plus, Discovery Tours and Logistics, National Hotel and Tourism Training Institute, HB Aviation and Tourism Institute, ShareTrip and InnoGlobe Technologies were recognised as the winners.

Lastly, in individual categories, Md Shafiqul Islam, Head of Marketing and Sales, US-Bangla Airlines; Shakawath Hossain, CEO of Unique Hotel and Resorts; Ashwani Nayar, General Manager of InterContinental Dhaka; travel vlogger Salahuddin Sumon; and food vlogger Petuk Couple won awards.   

Representatives from corporate houses, travel tourism and hospitality sectors, business elites, and the media attended the award ceremony, among other things.