Thirty-one organizations and individuals in 25 categories have been recognized and awarded for their excellence in Bangladesh travel, tourism and hospitality sectors at a award ceremony held at a city hotel on Saturday, says a press release.
The recognition programme, first of its kind in the country was organized by the travel and tourism publication the Bangladesh Monitor.
The programme is supported by the private-sector financial institution Prime Bank PLC. Online travel agency BuyTickets, travel technology provider Sabre, and tea brand Halda Valley are the partners of the programme, says a press release.
Peter A. Seamone, Chairman, PATA was present as 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, Bangladesh Tourism Board; Nazeem A. Chowdhury, Deputy Managing Director, Prime Bank PLC, Akhtaruzzaman Khan Kabir, Chairman of the jury board also spoke on the occasion.
Explaining the objective of introducing the programme, 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 recognizing 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."
Peter A. Seamone, Chairman PATA in his speech 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 has to ensure that it adopts sustainable practices to mitigate the threats of climate change and over-tourism."
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, online public voting, expert opinions, and other considerations. A staggering one hundred and eight thousand online votes were cast in different categories.
The winners in different hospitality categories were 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.
The award ceremony was attended by representatives from corporate houses, travel tourism and hospitality sectors, business elites, and media among others.
