TGN International Desk:
UN Tourism Affiliate Member CIFFT Appoints M.Z.I. Dalton Zahir as Ambassador for Asia, Etching Bangladesh onto the Global Tourism Leadership Map VIENNA, AUSTRIA –6th October, 2026 — The International Committee of Tourism Film Festivals (CIFFT), an affiliate member of UN Tourism, is pleased to announce the official appointment of Mr. Mohammad Zahirul Islam (Dalton Zahir) as the CIFFT Ambassador for Asia.
This milestone appointment marks a proud moment of international achievement for Bangladesh, bringing the nation’s name to the forefront of global travel and media leadership. This is a major achievement for Bangladesh. In this strategic capacity, Mr. Zahir will represent CIFFT and the world-renowned World Tourism Film Awards across the Asian region, driving innovation in tourism promotion and fostering international collaboration. Promoting Destination Storytelling Across Asia As CIFFT Ambassador for Asia, Mr. Zahir’s core responsibilities include: Promoting CIFFT’s Mission: Advancing international initiatives and awareness of the World Tourism Film Awards across Asia. Building Strategic Networks: Engaging national and regional tourism boards, public institutions, production companies, creative agencies, and private sector partners interested in destination branding through audiovisual media. Supporting Creators & Destination Brands: Advising potential participants on submitting promotional video content and tourism films to the global CIFFT Circuit.
Elevating Asian Media Production: Encouraging excellence in travel video marketing and strengthening international recognition for Asian travel films. Regional Point of Contact: Acting as the primary liaison between CIFFT headquarters in Vienna and Asian partners seeking collaboration. “Mr. Zahir’s appointment reflects CIFFT’s commitment to strengthening its presence in Asia and fostering closer cooperation with organizations and professionals who contribute to destination promotion through high-quality video storytelling,” stated Mr. Alexander V. Kammel, CIFFT Director. Distinguished Background of M.Z.I. Dalton Zahir With over 25 years of expertise across hospitality, tourism, and multinational corporate sectors, Mr. Mohammad Zahirul Islam (Dalton Zahir) is a celebrated industry leader, author, and media innovator who has consistently championed “Beautiful Bangladesh” and South Asian tourism on global platforms. Industry Expertise: Over 25 years of specialized leadership across hospitality, travel, media, and multinational corporations. Author & Writer: Authored and published 5 books covering various diverse subjects including literature, poetry, and social narratives. Enterprises & Media Initiatives: Founder and CEO of leading global travel platforms, including Travellerkey, Europekey, TravellerTimes, and Welcome Bangladesh. Leadership Roles: Director of the Tourism Developers Association of Bangladesh (TDAB), President of the International Ecotourism Society, and Global Ambassador for Skål International, Argentina. Hospitality & Corporate Experience: Led BRAC Services Limited (BRAC Hotel Group) as Group Head of Sales and Marketing, alongside executive leadership roles at top-tier properties including Rose View Hotel, Grand Sultan Tea Resort & Golf, Ocean Paradise, and Lakeshore Hotel. His corporate career includes executive tenures with leading global tech and media brands such as Motorola Mobile, Apple Computer, Philips Mobile, and Fujifilm. Global Network: Active member of esteemed international bodies including Skål International Madrid, the Photographic Society of America, Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh (TOAB), Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), and the European American Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Through this global appointment, Dalton Zahir’s elevated role within the UN Tourism affiliate ecosystem reinforces Bangladesh’s growing influence in international tourism governance and destination storytelling. About CIFFT & The CIFFT Circuit Created in 1989, the International Committee of Tourism Film Festivals (CIFFT) brings together international corporate and tourism film festivals under the CIFFT Circuit, the world’s premier award initiative for travel video marketing, promotional videos, and social media campaigns. Entries in the CIFFT Circuit compete to earn points toward the official CIFFT Rankings, culminating in the annual World Tourism Film Awards, which honors the year’s best promotional videos across five primary categories: World’s Best in City Promotion World’s Best in Region Promotion World’s Best in Country Promotion World’s Best in Tourism Products World’s Best in Tourism Services Member Festivals of the CIFFT Circuit The world’s best tourism film festivals that make up the CIFFT Circuit include: Amorgos Tourism Film Festival – Amorgos, Greece, ART&TUR – International Tourism Film Festival – Ovar, Portugal, Cannes Corporate Media & TV
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