Bangladesh’s H.M. Hakim Ali has been honored as a Tourism Hero by the World Tourism Network (WTN). His nomination, unanimously endorsed by the WTN jury, marks him as the first-ever recipient of the Amazing Travel Hero Award—a distinguished accolade introduced by WTN in collaboration with eTurboNews.
The Tourism Heroes initiative, which merged with the newly launched Amazing Travel Award in 2025, celebrates trailblazers in the tourism industry—individuals, organizations, and destinations that exemplify extraordinary leadership, innovation, and dedication to advancing global tourism. This prestigious award is entirely merit-based, free from advertising influence, and does not require promotional contributions. However, WTN welcomes sponsors to support the awards and their operations.
On January 10, 2025, H.M. Hakim Ali was officially confirmed as a Tourism Hero, becoming the first to receive the Amazing Travel Hero Award. In his heartfelt response, Ali expressed:
“I am profoundly honored to receive this recognition, which reflects my lifelong commitment to shaping Bangladesh’s tourism and hospitality sectors since the 1970s.” He further shared, “I was also privileged to be bestowed with the title of ‘Father of Tourism in Bangladesh’ by the Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation; a testament to the collective efforts of our nation in this field.”
As President of the Bangladesh International Hotel Association (BIHA), MAli has been a driving force in fostering industry collaboration, championing sustainable tourism, and positioning Bangladesh as a premier global travel destination. His leadership has spearheaded transformative initiatives, including elevating industry standards, advocating for policy reforms and prioritizing workforce development.
This accolade not only celebrates Ali’s remarkable contributions but also cements his legacy as a visionary leader in the global tourism landscape.
Juergen Steinmetz, Chairman of the World Tourism Network, lauded Ali, stating:
“We are thrilled to honor H.M. Hakim Ali as our Tourism Hero. His active involvement and invaluable contributions to WTN since its inception in 2020 have been nothing short of inspiring.”
With this recognition, H.M. Hakim Ali continues to set a gold standard for leadership and innovation, proudly showcasing Bangladesh’s potential on the global stage.
