Md. Shakawath Hossain is a renowned professional in the hospitality & tourism industry in Bangladesh. Throughout his career, he has worked in various prestigious hotels in Bangladesh and completed many international and national trainings in different fields. During his tenure of 13 years at The Westin Dhaka, he crossed several steps of success and was the General Manager (acting) from January 2017 till September 2019 and was also appointed as the youngest Resident Manager by Marriott International. In October 2019, he was appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of Unique Hotel & Resorts Ltd – the owning company of The Westin Dhaka, Sheraton Dhaka and HANSA – a premium residence. Previously he was in various leading roles such as Director of Operations and Director of Rooms & Operational Excellence.
20 years of experience in Hospitality & Tourism Industry he received many Awards Nationally & Internationally. In 2024 he received three Prestigious Awards : HIAIM, SATTE, TITA.
He contributed immensely to establish The Westin Dhaka as one of the Leading Hotels of Bangladesh and now he is on his journey to take Unique Hotel & Resorts PLC to another level of success.
Currently pursuing Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Tourism & Hospitality Management – University of Dhaka. Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and MBA in Tourism & Hospitality Management – University of Dhaka. Recognized as a Bright Alumni by University of Dhaka.
Can you share your journey to becoming the youngest CEO managing three leading hotel brands in Bangladesh?
My journey began from the ground up. I started my career by taking on small roles in the hospitality industry and worked my way up through determination and hard work. During my 13 years at The Westin Dhaka, I became the first Bangladeshi to serve as Acting General Manager. This role gave me invaluable insights into leadership and adaptability. Today, as the CEO of Unique Hotel & Resorts PLC, I aim to elevate Bangladesh’s hospitality industry to new heights.
In your view, what is Bangladesh’s unique selling point in attracting international tourists?
Bangladesh’s culture, history, and natural beauty are its biggest assets. From our riverine landscapes to the rich heritage of our villages and historical landmarks, we offer experiences that are truly unique. However, we need to promote these treasures effectively on the global stage.
What role do five-star hotels play in boosting the tourism sector in Bangladesh?
Five-star hotels are essential for providing international travelers with world-class experiences. They don’t just meet the expectations of global tourists but also contribute significantly to the economy through foreign exchange earnings and job creation.
What are the biggest challenges in managing multiple luxury hotel brands, and how do you tackle them?
Maintaining the reputation and distinctiveness of each brand while ensuring consistent service quality is a significant challenge. I address this by working closely with my team and leveraging innovative solutions to enhance operations and guest experiences.
How do you incorporate innovation and technology into hotel management to improve guest experiences?
We integrate advanced technologies like AI and blockchain to streamline processes and enhance guest services. However, we also focus on maintaining the personal touch, which remains the heart of hospitality.
Sustainability is becoming a key focus in the industry. How are you integrating eco-friendly practices in the hotels you manage?
We have implemented energy-efficient systems, waste management programs, and a preference for locally sourced products. These practices not only reduce environmental impact but also create cost efficiencies.
