As the hospitality landscape in Bangladesh enters a new era of growth and international visibility, the expertise of seasoned global leaders becomes paramount. Gary Farstad, the General Manager of the Westin and Sheraton Dhaka, brings a wealth of experience to two of the capital's most prestigious properties. In this interview, Farstad reflects on the inherent strengths of the local workforce, the path toward a more competitive tourism sector, and his optimistic outlook for the future of the industry in Bangladesh.

With your experience working across diverse markets in North America and the Caribbean, what has been your impression of the local talent pool here in Dhaka, and how are you tailoring the guest experience to highlight the unique culture of Bangladesh?

The Bengali people have a natural warmth and generosity that creates a wonderful foundation for hospitality. Our focus has been on building upon those strengths while introducing internationally recognised luxury service standards. One initiative we are particularly proud of is our storytelling approach. Rather than simply providing amenities, we try to connect guests with Bangladesh's culture and traditions.

For example, we recently introduced local desserts inspired by traditional celebrations, accompanied by information about their cultural significance. When guests understand the story behind an experience, it creates a much deeper connection to the destination.

How do you approach workforce development to ensure that your properties meet the global expectations of the Marriott brand?

Training is an important area of focus. As the hospitality industry continues to grow in Bangladesh, there is tremendous opportunity to further develop skills and service consistency. We invest heavily in coaching, leadership development, and recognition programs because we believe exceptional hospitality comes from empowered and engaged associates.

How do you balance the desire to showcase local flavours with the high-end expectations of a global clientele, particularly regarding premium ingredients?

Bangladesh has many outstanding local products, and we enjoy showcasing them whenever possible. At the same time, international travellers often look for a broad range of culinary experiences. As tourism and hospitality continue to evolve, expanded access to a wider variety of premium products could further enhance the experience offered by luxury hotels and restaurants.

Our goal is always to provide guests with exceptional dining experiences while celebrating both local and international culinary traditions.

Looking at the broader region, Bangladesh is competing with established tourism hubs. What do you see as the primary factors that will enhance the country’s competitiveness on the global stage?

Bangladesh has enormous untapped potential as a tourism destination. The country offers rich history, unique culture, incredible cuisine, and genuinely welcoming people. As tourism infrastructure continues to develop, there are opportunities to further enhance the visitor experience through cultural attractions, entertainment offerings, public spaces, and destination marketing.

Many travellers today seek authentic experiences, and Bangladesh has a unique story to tell. Continued investment in tourism-related infrastructure can help make those experiences even more accessible to international visitors.

From your perspective, how vital is the relationship between the private sector and government agencies in realising this potential?

Sustainable tourism growth is always strongest when government, industry, and investors work closely together. Around the world, successful destinations have benefited from ongoing collaboration between public and private sector stakeholders.

Bangladesh has already made significant progress, and I believe there are further opportunities to encourage investment, support business growth, and strengthen the country's position as a regional destination for both business and leisure travellers.

One of the most discussed projects in the city is the Sheraton Dhaka. Given the anticipation surrounding its full operational status, what can you share about the current progress and Marriott’s long-term vision for the property?

The Sheraton Dhaka is a beautiful property with tremendous long-term potential. Like many major developments, large projects sometimes require additional time to complete regulatory processes and approvals.

Marriott is committed to full compliance with all applicable regulations and looks forward to seeing the project achieve its full vision in the future. We remain optimistic about the opportunities ahead and are committed to supporting the continued growth of Bangladesh's hospitality industry.

Who is currently visiting your properties, and which emerging markets hold the most potential for the future?

Bangladesh welcomes a diverse mix of visitors, including business travellers, development organisations, expatriates, and those interested in experiencing the country's culture and heritage.

Looking ahead, there is an exciting opportunity to further broaden the country's appeal to leisure travellers by highlighting Bangladesh's history, cuisine, natural beauty, and unique cultural experiences. The potential for growth is significant.

As we look toward the next few years, what do you believe are the most critical "next steps" for the industry to move from potential to reality?

I'm extremely optimistic about Bangladesh's future. The country possesses many assets that travellers increasingly seek: authentic culture, genuine hospitality, excellent food, and a rich history.

The most important next step is continuing to tell Bangladesh's story in a way that resonates with visitors from around the world. Small improvements to visitor experiences, historical sites, public spaces, and tourism infrastructure can have a meaningful impact over time.

I also believe there is tremendous value in collaboration. Bangladesh benefits from having experienced hospitality professionals from around the world working within the country, and there may be opportunities for greater dialogue between industry leaders and stakeholders to support the continued development of tourism.

Thank you for your time. Do you have any final thoughts on your journey here so far?

Bangladesh has all the ingredients necessary to become a leading destination in the region. The people are welcoming, the culture is vibrant, and the opportunities for growth are substantial. I am honoured to be part of that journey and excited about what the future holds for both The Westin Dhaka, Sheraton Dhaka, and the broader hospitality industry.