Syed Ghulam Qadir A visionary tourism leader, social advocate, and co-founder of TOAB, shaping Bangladesh’s travel industry with dedication, innovation, and lifelong service.
Syed Ghulam Qadir is a pioneering tourism leader, association builder, educator, and noble social worker. With decades of experience and unwavering commitment, he has played a vital role in shaping Bangladesh’s tourism industry through association building, professional leadership, education, and community service.
Tourism Industry Contributions:
As one of the founding members of the Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh (TOAB), he contributed significantly to establishing a national platform for tour operators. His initiative helped guide the association’s identity and structure, ultimately leading to its recognition as an “A” grade trade body under the FBCCI. He also held key leadership positions including Treasurer and Vice President, helping strengthen TOAB’s organizational capacity and industry reach.
Professional Journey:
His career spans leadership roles in several notable travel companies, including Unique Tours and Travels, Travel Net International, Galaxy Holidays, Wonder Ways Ltd., and US-Bangla Holidays. Currently, he is the Co-Founder and CEO of Adventure Escape Asia, a specialized inbound tour platform dedicated to promoting Bangladesh’s tourism potential to international travelers.
Trainer & Educator:
He is a passionate trainer and mentor, having conducted numerous training sessions to educate and uplift professionals in the tourism and hospitality sector. His sessions have inspired new generations of tourism practitioners and contributed significantly to the professional development of the industry.
International Credentials:
He has gained valuable global insights through prestigious programs, including a Belgian Government Scholarship in Tourism Marketing and Planning, and advanced training in Vietnam under the support of the Netherlands Government.
Social Contributions:
A noble social worker, he pioneered the establishment of Bangladesh’s first Blood Bank in 1977. He has also led impactful initiatives such as distributing educational materials to underprivileged students, organizing malnutrition camps, and promoting global friendship through the publication of a pen pal magazine.
Organizational & Global Affiliations:
He is a Founding Vice President of BOTOA (Bangladesh Outbound Tour Operators Association), Secretary General of the World Tourism Network (WTN), Bangladesh Chapter, and a member of PATA (Pacific Asia Travel Association).
Taufiq Rahman A visionary tourism leader, educator, and founder of Journey Plus, shaping Bangladesh’s travel industry with expertise and passion.
A visionary leader in Bangladesh’s tourism industry, Mr. Taufiq Rahman is the Founder & Chief Executive of Journey Plus, a pioneering tour operator established in 1994. With extensive knowledge and hands-on experience in tourism, he has dedicated his career to elevating Bangladesh’s travel sector.
Mr. Rahman’s academic journey in Hospitality Management began in Nicosia, Cyprus, in 1993, where he earned multiple certifications from the American Hotel & Lodging Association. His passion for education led him to National Hotel & Tourism Training Institute (NHTTI) as a guest teacher in 1995. He further enriched his credentials by obtaining an MBA in 2008 and has since been actively lecturing in the Tourism & Hospitality Management department at Dhaka University and other institutions.
With a background in hotel management, Mr. Rahman has worked as an F&B Manager before founding Journey Plus. His dynamic leadership has positioned the company among Bangladesh’s top tour operators. A prolific travel writer, he has also played a significant role in training and standardization programs for the industry, including workshops for Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI) and TOAB.
Mr. Rahman’s global exposure includes scholarships and specialized tourism programs in Belgium, the USA, Sri Lanka, and Hong Kong, making him a recognized expert in Tourism Marketing & MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) development. He has represented Bangladesh in major travel fairs worldwide, including ITB-Berlin, WTM-London, and PATA Travel Mart.
Beyond business, he has been a key industry leader, serving in various capacities such as:
- Treasurer, 1st Vice President & Director of TOAB
- Secretary General, PATA Bangladesh Chapter
- Chairman, Association of Buddhist Tour Operators (ABTO), Bangladesh
- Former Co-Chairman, Civil Aviation & Tourism, FBCCI
- Former Chairman, Hospitality & Tourism, e-CAB
Currently, he serves as the Inbound Tour Operator Expert for Bangladesh Tourism Board’s Master Plan project, shaping the future of sustainable tourism in the country. Through his expertise, leadership, and vision, Mr. Taufiq Rahman continues to inspire and contribute to the growth of Bangladesh’s aviation and tourism sectors.
Zaki S. Bari A young aviation entrepreneur, educator, and founder of HB Aviation, empowering the next generation of aviation and tourism professionals in Bangladesh.
A rising force in Bangladesh’s aviation and tourism industry, Zaki S. Bari is the Founder & Chairman of HB Aviation & Tourism Institute, an institution shaping the future of aviation education in Bangladesh. With a strong vision and relentless dedication, he has positioned himself as one of the youngest industry leaders driving change and innovation.
Mr. Bari’s journey in aviation began with hands-on industry experience. He served as a Business Development Executive at Drukair, Royal Bhutan Airlines (2011-2013) and later as an Airport Ground Officer at Saudi Airlines (2013-2016). His time in the field gave him a deep understanding of the aviation sector, fueling his ambition to establish an institute that bridges the gap between education and real-world industry demands.
In 2017, he founded HB Aviation & Tourism Institute, the first aviation-based training center in Bangladesh accredited by the Bangladesh Technical Education Board and ISO 9001:2015 certified. The institute has since become a key player in professional training for aviation, tourism, and hospitality, empowering young aspirants to enter the industry with globally recognized skills.
Dedicated to empowering the next generation, he is transforming aviation and tourism education in Bangladesh through innovation and industry expertise. In 2023, he was honored at the ‘40 Under 40 Smart Bangladesh ICT Summit & Awards’, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the industry and his role in shaping the future of aviation and tourism.
Under his leadership, HB Aviation has received multiple accolades, including the Best Educational Institution for Tourism and Hospitality award at the Bangladesh Travel, Tourism & Hospitality Awards 2024. His commitment to excellence has helped shape a new generation of aviation professionals in Bangladesh.
Beyond education, Mr. Bari is a strong advocate for industry development and youth empowerment. His entrepreneurial spirit, industry insights, and commitment to education make him a true young leader who inspires in the world of aviation and tourism.
With a promising future ahead, Zaki S. Bari continues to push boundaries, paving the way for the next generation of aviation and tourism professionals in Bangladesh.