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Tourism experts said that tourism can generate employment for the youth and contribute to country’s GDP significantly if the sector is developed properly and the countries communication system is enhanced accordingly.

They made the remarks at the inaugural ceremony of the 3-day Bangladesh Travel and Tourism Fair organised by Tour Operator Association Bangladesh at the China-Bangladesh Friendship Conference Centre in the Capital.

They also added that this fair helps promote the country’s tourism internationally and plays a vital role in bridging different cultures.

In his speech, TOAB president Md Rafeuzzaman said that to increase the number of foreign tourists coming to Bangladesh, it is necessary to introduce an e-visa system instead of an on-arrival visa.

‘If the country’s amusement parks, hotels, resorts, and vehicles can be brought under lower taxing, then tourism will expand further,’ he added.

Addressing the challenges, the chief guest of the event, chief adviser’s special envoy for international affairs Lutfe Siddique said, ‘We are in touch with the country’s chambers of commerce and associations. Everyone can meet us. My WhatsApp number is available to everyone.’

Siddiqui further added, ‘The tourism sector is a place of attraction for the youth. It plays an unparalleled role in the development of the talent of our youth. Through this, we can know and learn about new cultures and traditions.’

Speaking about the potential of Bangladesh’s tourism sector, he said, ‘Tourism is one of the country’s key employment-generating sectors. Many other sectors are changing due to technology and artificial intelligence, but tourism remains a sector dependent on human service. Countries like Singapore, which do not have many traditional resources, are still attracting a large number of tourists. We should think about this.’

He also said that the government focused on developing tourism, recognising its immense potential, and emphasised the need for collaboration among all stakeholders to advance the industry.

Speaking as a special guest at the inaugural ceremony, Bangladesh Tourism Corporation chairman Saima Shaheen Sultana said, ‘Geographically, Bangladesh is located at the crossroads of South Asia. Natural beauty, heritage, ethnic culture, food and folk culture - all of them can make Bangladesh an emerging destination for tourism. However, these opportunities have not yet been fully utilised.’

Md Mainul Hasan, additional IGP of Bangladesh Tourist Police, said they were ready to support tourism development. 

According to the organisers, over 120 local and international organisations are participating in the event, showcasing their products and services through approximately 220 stalls and 20 pavilions.

Exhibitors include National Tourism Board, airlines, tour operators, hotels, resorts, and travel agencies from countries such as Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, the Maldives, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand, China, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Turkey, and the host country, Bangladesh, they added.

Talking with the new age reporter, airlines, hotels, resorts, tour operators and travel agents said they were offering special discounts and packages across 220 halls.

Md Ehsanul Kabir, general manager of public relations department of Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation, said, ‘We have been working since 1973 to promote tourism. During the fair, we offer a 30 per cent discount on bookings and a 20 per cent discount for the next three months with our discount card. We also organise customised tours based on individual preferences.’

Zahirul, reservation manager of Sunsad Maldives, said, ‘We are promoting tourism in Bangladesh. Five years ago, few Bangladeshi travellers visited the Maldives. During this fair, we’re offering a 25 per cent discount on our land package until January.’

Talking with ¶¶Òõ¾«Æ·, Haroon from Aga Khan University Hospital, Pakistan, said that they wanted to promote medical tourism and invited Bangladeshi citizens to visit them for health-related issues.  

Thai Airways senior executive Mahmudul Hasan Nayeem said, ‘We are the first airline in Bangladesh to offer premium economy plus seats with flat-bed options. In celebration of the fair, we’re offering round-trip flights from Dhaka to Bangkok for $1,000.’

K Mostafizur Rahman, deputy general manager of Marketing and Sales at Biman Bangladesh Airlines, said, ‘This fair is crucial for the tourism sector, allowing visitors to buy discounted air tickets and book hotels under one roof.’

He added, ‘During the fair, we offer a 15 per cent discount in 11 sectors, accessible from home. We’ve also increased our London flights from four to five per week, including a new Thursday flight with a 20 per cent discount.’

Mostafa, an officer at Community Bank, told The ¶¶Òõ¾«Æ· that their goal here was to promote their credit cards for making travel easier, while also advocating for simplified money exchanges at lower rates.