Shakawath Hossain wins ‘Best Sustainable Tourism Initiative’ award

Md Shakawath Hossain, chief executive officer of Unique Hotel & Resorts PLC, the owning company of The Westin Dhaka, Sheraton Dhaka and HANSA – A Premium Residence, has won the “Best Sustainable Tourism Initiative of the Year Award” at the Bangladesh Tourism Award 2026.

He received the award for his copyrighted intellectual property, “Shakawath’s Six Control Points for Food Cost Optimisation”.

Tap here to add The Daily Star as a trusted source

Organised by the Bangladesh Tourism Board under the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, the programme was held at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Agargaon, Dhaka, as part of World Tourism Day 2026.

As the chief guest, M Rashiduzzaman Millat, minister for civil aviation and tourism, handed the award to Shakawath.

The Bangladesh Tourism Award 2026 recognised excellence across 16 categories covering tourism, hospitality, innovation and sustainability. Awards were given to individuals, organisations and initiatives for their contributions to the sector.

The Six Control Points framework was recognised for introducing a practical approach to food cost optimisation that reduces food wastage, delivers cost savings and promotes responsible use of resources.

An original contribution by Shakawath, the framework bridges academic theory with practical application and has delivered proven results. Following a review, the judging panel deemed it a pioneering sustainable initiative worthy of national recognition.

“This award marks a significant milestone for the Six Control Points initiative and reflects its contribution to sustainable hospitality,” said Shakawath.

“We are working to take the framework nationwide across Bangladesh’s hospitality sector and explore opportunities for its future adoption across international hotel and restaurant chains,” he added.

With over 25 years of professional experience, Shakawath leads Unique Hotel & Resorts PLC.

He also serves as an adjunct faculty member at the Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management at the University of Dhaka, where he is pursuing a PhD in the same discipline.

He holds MPhil and MBA qualifications in the field.

He is also involved in tourism education, research and professional organisations and is a Capstone Fellow of the National Defence College.

His previous recognitions include Tourism Face of South Asia at the South Asian Travel Awards 2024, Best Hospitality Icon at the American Curry Awards 2025, Tourism Leadership Excellence Award 2026 and Who’s Who Bangladesh Award 2026.