1. Dr
Sachin Bansal
Dr. Sachin Bansal is a leading expert in the
tourism and hospitality sector, particularly known for his contributions to
heritage tourism. He is the founder of India City Walks, a pioneering brand in
experiential tourism, and has been honored with multiple National Tourism
Awards for his efforts in promoting cultural and historical experiences.
2.
Dilshan Kudahetty
Mr. Kudahetty is a respected commercial leader
with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, currently working with
SriLankan Airlines. He has extensive expertise in airline management, hotel and
destination management, and regional business development in South Asia and Far
Eastern markets.
3.
Akhtaruzzaman Khan Kabir
Akhtaruzzaman Khan Kabir is a prominent figure
in Bangladesh's tourism sector, known for his extensive experience in regional
tourism development and policy making. He has played a significant role in
formulating tourism policies that promote growth and sustainability within the
industry. Mr. Kabir has held key positions, including serving as the CEO of the
Bangladesh Tourism Board (BTB) and as Chairman of the Bangladesh Parjatan
Corporation (BPC).
4.
Ishan Koul
Ishan Koul, Director at Naaz Hotel
Consultants, plays a pivotal role in bridging independent hotel owners with
international hospitality brands. His expertise lies in facilitating management
and franchise agreements between property developers and renowned global hotel
chains.
5.
Mariyam Noordeen
Ms. Noordeen is the founder and president of
the Chefs Guild of Maldives. With over 25 years of experience in tourism and
hospitality, she has trained and mentored over 4,000 students as the former
Dean of the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Studies at Maldives National
University.
6. Tek
Bahadur Mahat
Mr. Mahat, CEO of Nepal Hotel Association is a
trailblazer in the travel and hospitality industry, known for his innovative
approach and commitment to excellence. His insights are highly valued by the
jury.
7. Xu Jing
Mr. Xu Jing is the former Regional Director
for Asia and the Pacific at the United Nations World Tourism Organization
(UNWTO), based in Madrid, Spain. In his role, he was instrumental in shaping
tourism policies and strategies across the Asia-Pacific region, fostering
regional cooperation, and promoting sustainable tourism development.
8.
Ibrahim Asim
Ibrahim Asim is a veteran tourism expert with
over 30 years of experience in the Maldives tourism sector, having held senior
roles in key government and promotional bodies. He has led international
marketing efforts, collaborated with UNWTO, and currently serves as Chief of
Corporate Affairs at MMPRC.
9. Thoyyib Mohamed
Thoyyib Mohamed is a
prominent Maldivian executive and tourism leader who served as CEO and Managing
Director of Visit Maldives (MMPRC) from 2018 to 2023. Under his leadership, the
Maldives achieved record-breaking tourist arrivals and was named the World’s
Leading Destination three years in a row.
