Md Shakawath Hossain, chief executive officer of Unique Hotel & Resorts PLC, has received the Tourism Leadership Excellence Award 2026 for introducing cricket tourism to Bangladesh, the company said in a press release. The accolade was presented at the 2nd TOAB International Tourism Award (TITA) 2026, organised by the Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh, with State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat handing over the honour in recognition of Hossain’s role in opening a new frontier for the country’s tourism sector.
Hossain is widely recognised as the pioneer of cricket tourism in Bangladesh, having facilitated the first-ever agreement between the Bangladesh Tourism Board (BTB) and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). The ceremony, which celebrated excellence across 13 categories in the tourism, hospitality and aviation sectors, drew ambassadors, high commissioners and representatives from around 10 countries, along with industry leaders and TOAB members.
Under Hossain’s leadership, Unique Hotel & Resorts PLC — the owning company of The Westin Dhaka, Sheraton Dhaka and HANSA – A Premium Residence — has strengthened Bangladesh’s premium hospitality landscape. With over 25 years of professional experience, including more than five years in executive leadership roles, he has contributed to destination branding and sustainable hospitality practices.
The latest honour adds to a distinguished list of accolades for Hossain, including Tourism Face of South Asia at the 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 from the Asian Catering Federation in the UK, Most Awarded Hotelier of 2024 by BIHA, and the Who’s Who Bangladesh Award 2026 in the field of Professionals.
Beyond corporate achievements, Hossain 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. He serves as an adjunct faculty member at the Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management, University of Dhaka, and is currently pursuing a PhD in the same discipline, holding MPhil and MBA qualifications in tourism and hospitality management.
