Best hospitality icon at the first-ever American Curry Awards 2025 announced

Md Shakawath Hossain, CEO of Unique Hotel and Resorts PLC (The Owning Company of The Westin Dhaka, Sheraton Dhaka and HANSA- A Premium Residence), received the prestigious award "Best Hospitality Icon" at the first-ever American Curry Awards 2025, held on
Saturday, May 24. The award was presented by Senator Sheikh Rahman of Georgia, USA, at the renowned Terrace on the Park in Queens, New York. The ceremony celebrated excellence in the global culinary and hospitality industries, bringing together prominent leaders and innovators from around the world.
Organised by the Khalil Group of Industries USA and the Asha Group USA, the American Curry Awards is a distinguished international platform that acknowledges remarkable contributions to the hospitality and culinary arts. The event honoured achievements in eighteen categories, with a focus on participants from the USA, Canada, the UK, and Asian countries. Among the honourees, Md Shakawath Hossain was recognised as the Best Hospitality Icon, an accolade highlighting his exceptional leadership and transformative influence on the hospitality industry in Bangladesh.

Notably, his innovative work in developing theories and practices on Food Cost Optimisation. His expertise was further recognised through his role as an Official Judge at the Chefs Culinary Cup Korea 2024 and 2025. Shakawath's recognition also stems from his numerous national and international accolades, including winning the Asian Curry Award 2021, an exclusive honour by the Asian Catering Federation, UK, beingnamed the Tourism Face of South Asia at the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) 2024 and received the Best Hotelier of Bangladesh award at the Hotel Industry Architecture, Interiors and Management (HI-AIM) Conference 2024 at Kathmandu, Nepal. Md Shakawath Hossain is the only Bangladeshi hotelier who is an industry practitioner, academician, and researcher, currently pursuing a PhD in Tourism and Hospitality Management at the University of Dhaka.

He also serves as an Adjunct Faculty at Dhaka University. Beyond his corporate and academic achievements, Mr Shakawath plays a significant role in both global and national industry organisations, serving as the Chief advisor of the Chef's Federation of Bangladesh, Director of the World Tourism Network (WTN) Dhaka Chapter, Director of the Tourism and Hospitality Industry Skill Council (ISC) Bangladesh, and many more. This recognition as Best Hospitality Icon at the American Curry Awards celebrates Md Shakawath Hossain's unparalleled leadership and groundbreaking contributions, serving as a testament to his visionary impact on the hospitality industry. It marks a proud moment for Bangladesh, showcasing the growing prominence of its hospitality sector on the global stage.