The second edition of the Bangladesh Travel, Tourism and Hospitality Awards, commonly referred to as BTTHA 2025, was successfully hosted to acknowledge the remarkable strides made in the nation’s travel and service industries. This prestigious event was organized through a collaborative effort between The Bangladesh Monitor and the Galaxy Group, serving as a platform to honor those who have demonstrated exceptional innovation and leadership within the sector. It is noted that the primary objective of this initiative is the establishment of new benchmarks for service quality and professional integrity across the expanding landscape of Bangladesh tourism.
The award presentation ceremony was conducted within the elegant setting of the InterContinental Dhaka ballroom. A significant presence was marked by the attendance of Syeda Rizwana Hasan, the adviser to the interim government of Bangladesh, who participated in the proceedings as the chief guest. The event served as a nexus for senior figures, bringing together influential personalities from the tourism, hospitality, and corporate business sectors.
Key insights and perspectives were shared by a panel of esteemed speakers during the evening. Contributions were made by Ahmed Yusuf Walid, the president and chief executive officer of Galaxy Bangladesh Group, and Ali Reza Iftekhar, the managing director of Eastern Bank PLC. Furthermore, remarks were provided by David O’Hanlon, the general manager of InterContinental Dhaka, and Kazi Wahidul Alam, the editor of The Bangladesh Monitor. Through these addresses, the collective commitment to fostering a robust environment for travel and hospitality was reaffirmed.
Recognition was distributed across a broad spectrum of the industry, ensuring that various niches within the hospitality and travel sectors were represented. It was reported that a total of 29 distinct categories were established to identify excellence. From this structured evaluation, 27 organizations and eight individuals were selected to receive honors. These awards covered everything from airline services and hotel management to tour operations and digital travel solutions.
A particularly poignant moment of the ceremony was the presentation of the Jury’s Lifetime Achievement Award. This high honor was bestowed upon Shahid Hamid, the chairman of the PATA Bangladesh Chapter. His contribution to the hospitality sector of Bangladesh has spanned more than five decades, and his long-standing dedication was cited as a cornerstone for the industry’s historical development and modern maturation.
The journey toward the BTTHA 2025 gala began much earlier in the year. The official launch was recorded on 25 September 2025, at which point nominations were formally invited from prospective candidates across the country. The response was significant, with a total of 89 organizations and individuals submitting over 150 nominations for consideration.
To ensure a fair and expert evaluation, a jury board was constituted, comprising industry veterans, environmentalists, and representatives from both traditional and social media platforms. This diverse panel was tasked with shortlisting the nominees based on a set of stringent criteria. The process was designed to be as inclusive as possible, reflecting the multifaceted nature of modern tourism which now includes sustainability and digital engagement as key pillars of success.
In an effort to enhance transparency and encourage public participation, a digital voting phase was integrated into the selection process. From 11 November to 21 December 2025, the shortlisted nominations were opened for public and industry voting via an online portal. It was noted that nearly 20,000 participants took part in this phase, providing a democratic layer to the awards.
However, the final selections were not based on popularity alone. A holistic evaluation model was employed, which integrated the quality of the initial nomination, the results of the public vote, general public perception, and rigorous on-site evaluations. These evaluations included physical property visits and detailed interviews conducted by experts to verify the claims made by the participants. This multi-layered approach ensured that the winners truly represented the pinnacle of service and operational excellence.
The underlying philosophy of the BTTHA awards was articulated by Kazi Wahidul Alam, who emphasized that the program is designed to inspire stakeholders to continuously elevate their standards. It is believed that by recognizing those who go above and beyond, a culture of healthy competition and professional growth is fostered. The awards act as a catalyst for the entire sector to move toward international standards of hospitality.
The success of the 2025 edition was made possible through the support of several high-profile partners. The Galaxy Group served as the lead sponsor, while banking services were supported by Eastern Bank PLC. The InterContinental Dhaka acted as the hospitality partner, and BuyTickets was involved as the travel partner. Through such corporate synergy, the event was able to achieve a level of scale and prestige that mirrors the ambitions of the Bangladesh tourism industry.
As the ceremony concluded, the prevailing sentiment was one of optimism for the future. The achievements celebrated at BTTHA 2025 are seen as a testament to the resilience of the sector in the face of various global and local challenges. The continued investment in infrastructure, combined with the professional development of the workforce, is expected to position Bangladesh as an increasingly attractive destination for both domestic and international travelers.
By focusing on innovation and maintaining a neutral, formal commitment to quality, the stakeholders involved in the BTTHA process aim to ensure that the momentum generated by this year’s awards continues well into the future. The recognition of individual leaders and corporate entities serves as a roadmap for emerging businesses, illustrating the levels of dedication required to thrive in a competitive global market.
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