Dalton Zahir appointed CIFFT ambassador for Asia

Bangladeshi tourism professional Mohammad Zahirul Islam, widely known as Dalton Zahir, has been appointed Ambassador for Asia by the International Committee of Tourism Film Festivals (CIFFT), an affiliate member of UN Tourism.

The appointment, announced in Vienna, Austria, on October 6, is expected to strengthen Bangladesh’s presence in international tourism promotion, destination branding and audiovisual storytelling.

As CIFFT Ambassador for Asia, Zahir will represent the organisation and the World Tourism Film Awards across the region. His responsibilities include building partnerships with national tourism boards, public institutions, production companies and creative agencies to promote destinations through tourism films and digital media.

He will also encourage Asian filmmakers and destination marketers to participate in the CIFFT Circuit, an international network of tourism film festivals, and serve as a liaison between CIFFT headquarters in Vienna and regional partners.

“Mr Zahir’s appointment reflects CIFFT’s commitment to strengthening its presence in Asia and fostering closer cooperation with organisations and professionals who contribute to destination promotion through high-quality video storytelling,” CIFFT Director Alexander V. Kammel said.

Zahir brings more than 25 years of experience in tourism, hospitality, media and multinational corporations. He previously served as Group Head of Sales and Marketing at BRAC Services Limited’s hotel group and held senior positions at several hospitality establishments, including Rose View Hotel, Grand Sultan Tea Resort & Golf, Ocean Paradise and Lakeshore Hotel. He is also the founder and chief executive of travel platforms Travellerkey, Europekey, TravellerTimes and Welcome Bangladesh, and has authored five books.

Besides serving as a director of the Tourism Developers Association of Bangladesh (TDAB), Zahir is associated with international tourism and professional organisations, including Skål International and the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA).

Established in 1989, CIFFT brings together international tourism film festivals through its circuit, which recognises excellence in destination promotion, tourism products and services.

Zahir’s appointment is expected to create further opportunities for Bangladesh to showcase its tourism attractions and strengthen its engagement with global tourism marketing networks.