Taposhi Roy :
Bangladesh International Hotel Association (BIHA) held its end-of-year meeting yesterday at Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in Dhaka. Presided over by BIHA President HM Hakim Ali, the meeting brought together representatives from leading star-rated hotels across the country to discuss critical issues and strategies to enhance the hospitality industry’s growth and sustainability.
The meeting addressed concerns over the rising electricity and gas bills faced by star hotels, focusing on seeking sustainable and cost-effective solutions. Discussions were held on regulatory challenges and streamlining processes for the purchase of alcoholic beverages to better meet international guest expectations. Participants explored solutions to mitigate the challenges surrounding the importation of beef, which directly impacts menu offerings in high-end establishments. Plans for the upcoming BIHA Champions League 2025, an inter-hotel sports competition aimed at fostering camaraderie and teamwork within the industry, were also announced. Additionally, collaborations with Tourist Police Bangladesh to enhance security measures in hotels were discussed, ensuring a safer environment for both local and international guests.
In the meeting BIHA has recognized Mr. Shakawath Hossain, Co-Chairman BIHA Standing Committee on Planning and Development, for achieving the highest number of national and international awards in 2024.
The meeting saw active participation from representatives of leading hotels, including Pan Pacific Sonargaon, The Westin Dhaka, InterContinental Dhaka, Radisson Blu Dhaka Water Garden, Le Meridien Dhaka, Renaissance Dhaka Gulshan Hotel, Crowne Plaza Dhaka Gulshan, Hotel Sarina, Sea Pearl Beach Resort & Spa, Holiday Inn Dhaka City Center, Seagull Hotel, Maple Leaf Hotel & Resort, Firs Hotel, Grand Sultan Tea Resort & Golf, Mom Inn, Rose View Hotel, The Peninsula Chittagong, Hotel Omni Residency, Ocean Paradise Hotel & Resort, Hotel Elite Palace, Grand Sylhet Hotel & Resort, The Palace Luxury Resort, Platinum Hotel, Saeman Beach Resort, Hansa Residence, and Royal Park Residence Hotel. Md. Naimul Huq PPM, Police Super Dhaka Region, Tourist Police Bangladesh also present at the meeting
President HM Hakim Ali expressed his gratitude to the attendees for their contributions and reaffirmed BIHA’s commitment to addressing the challenges faced by the hospitality sector. He stated that as the year comes to a close, the collective efforts and shared vision of the association remain the cornerstone of its mission to elevate Bangladesh’s hospitality industry to international standards. He emphasized that together, the industry would overcome obstacles and seize opportunities to thrive in 2025 and beyond.
The meeting concluded with a unanimous resolution to work collaboratively to ensure sustainable growth, operational excellence, and enhanced guest experiences in the coming year.
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