Bangladeshi tourism professional and media entrepreneur Mohammad Zahirul Islam (Dalton Zahir) has been appointed Ambassador for Asia by the International Committee of Tourism Film Festivals (CIFFT), an affiliate member of UN Tourism. The appointment gives Zahir a regional role in representing CIFFT and the World Tourism Film Awards across Asia, with a focus on strengthening collaboration among tourism boards, filmmakers, creative agencies, destination brands and other stakeholders using audiovisual storytelling to promote tourism.
Representing CIFFT Across Asia
In his new role, Zahir will work to expand awareness of CIFFT’s mission and the World Tourism Film Awards across the Asian region. He will also serve as a regional point of contact between CIFFT headquarters in Vienna and tourism and media organisations seeking opportunities for collaboration.
His responsibilities will include engaging with national and regional tourism boards, public institutions, production companies, creative agencies and private-sector organisations involved in destination branding through audiovisual content. The role will also involve supporting tourism destinations and content creators interested in submitting promotional videos and tourism films to the international CIFFT Circuit, a network of tourism film festivals.
Focus on Tourism Film and Destination Storytelling
Zahir is expected to contribute to strengthening the quality and international visibility of Asian travel and tourism films. Through networking and collaboration, he will encourage tourism organisations and filmmakers to use high-quality audiovisual storytelling to communicate the identity, culture, landscapes and experiences of destinations.
The appointment is also expected to create greater opportunities for Asian destination brands and media producers to connect with international tourism film platforms and audiences. “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,” said Alexander V. Kammel, CIFFT Director.
More Than 25 Years of Industry Experience
Zahir brings more than 25 years of experience across tourism, hospitality, media and multinational corporate sectors. He has worked to promote Bangladesh and South Asian tourism internationally and has been associated with initiatives highlighting the country’s tourism potential under the “Beautiful Bangladesh” concept.
His professional background spans tourism promotion, media and creative communication, giving him experience across both the tourism and media sectors. The new appointment provides Zahir with a wider regional platform to connect Asian tourism stakeholders with international tourism-film networks and promote the use of audiovisual storytelling in destination marketing.
International Recognition for Bangladesh
Zahir’s appointment has been described as an international milestone for Bangladesh, placing a Bangladeshi tourism and media professional in a regional leadership position within one of the international tourism film sector’s established networks. The role comes as destinations across Asia increasingly use film, video and digital storytelling to differentiate themselves in the global tourism market.
By connecting tourism organisations, filmmakers and destination brands with international platforms, the CIFFT Ambassador role aims to support greater recognition of Asian tourism stories and creative productions. Through his new position, Zahir will represent CIFFT and the World Tourism Film Awards across Asia while contributing to stronger regional cooperation in tourism promotion, destination branding and audiovisual storytelling.
