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Sunday | October 11, 2026 | Dhaka

‘Bangladeshi Tourism Pioneer Dalton Zahir Takes Asia Leadership Role at UN Tourism Affiliate Body CIFFT’

 Sylhet Bureau
 Published: 6:41 PM, 11 October 2026

Visual storytelling and destination branding have become two of the most powerful catalysts in modern global tourism development. At the helm of setting international standards for travel marketing is the Vienna-based International Committee of Tourism Film Festivals (CIFFT), an official affiliate member of UN Tourism.

In a landmark moment for South Asian tourism diplomacy, Bangladeshi tourism veteran Mohammad Zahirul Islam (Dalton Zahir) has officially been appointed as the CIFFT Ambassador for Asia.

This global appointment marks a major achievement for Bangladesh, positioning the nation prominently in global tourism governance and media innovation.

A Quarter-Century of Excellence Across Sectors

Dalton Zahir’s rise to international leadership stems from over 25 years of diverse executive experience across tourism, luxury hospitality, media platforms, and global tech corporations.

Throughout his career, he has served as Group Head of Sales and Marketing for BRAC Services Limited (BRAC Hotel Group) and held senior executive positions at premier luxury properties including Rose View Hotel, Grand Sultan Tea Resort & Golf, Ocean Paradise, and Lakeshore Hotel. His corporate portfolio extends into multinational giants, having managed operations and marketing for global brands such as Motorola Mobile, Apple Computer, Philips Mobile, and Fujifilm.

As a media entrepreneur, Zahir founded and leads several international travel platforms, including Travellerkey, Europekey, TravellerTimes, and Welcome Bangladesh. A versatile writer and thinker, he has also authored and published 5 books spanning diverse literary, social, and cultural themes.

Bridging Global Networks

Zahir’s global footprints are well established. He holds the distinction of being the first Bangladeshi member of Skål International Madrid, serves as Director of the Tourism Developers Association of Bangladesh (TDAB), and acts as Global Ambassador for Skål International Argentina. His international affiliations also include memberships with the Photographic Society of America, the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), and the European American Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Driving Asian Destination Storytelling

Officially confirmed by CIFFT Director Alexander V. Kammel in Vienna, Zahir’s ambassadorial role charges him with leading CIFFT’s promotional efforts across Asia. He will oversee regional engagement for the CIFFT Circuit—a prestigious network uniting ten of the world’s top tourism film festivals, including the Cannes Corporate Media & TV Awards, the New York Festivals TV & Film Awards, and the Japan World’s Tourism Film Festival.

In his new position, Zahir will connect national tourism boards, creative agencies, and production houses across Asia to global platforms, elevating Asian destination branding onto the world stage.

A Legacy of National Pride

Dalton Zahir’s appointment within the UN Tourism affiliate framework shines a global spotlight on Bangladesh’s growing influence in international tourism governance. His journey serves as a powerful inspiration for media professionals and tourism leaders across Asia, demonstrating how vision and dedication can bridge local potential with world-class leadership.