Dhaka, Sept 27 – Speakers at a function here on Thursday sought joint and effective efforts to promote Bangladeshi tourism products abroad and play role in increasing inbound tourists to ensure bigger contribution to the national economy. They laid emphasis on increasing facilities for foreign tourists in various tourism spots in the country so that foreigners feel comfortable to take frequent trips to Bangladesh.
The tourism sector stakeholders were addressing at the inaugural session of the three day ‘Biman Tourism Fest 2018’ in the city arranged to mark the World Tourism Day.
Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister AKM Shahjahan Kamal spoke at the inaugural session as the chief guest.
Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry Secretary M Mohibul Haque, Chief Executive Officer of Bangladesh Tourism Board (BTB) M Jahangir Hossain, President of Tour Operators Association Bangladesh (TOAB) Taufiq Uddin Ahmed, TOAB Director Taufiq Rahman, Aviation and Tourism Journalists’ Forum of Bangladesh (ATJFB) President Nadira Kiran and general secretary Tanzim Anwar, among others spoke.
Minister Kamal said despite having huge potential Bangladesh is yet to ensure required facilities for the foreign tourists in the country.
He laid emphasis on joint efforts by the private and public sector to give a big boost to the tourism sector.
Secretary Mohibul Haque said the government wants to work round the year for the development of the tourism industry and laid emphasis on coordinated efforts for branding Bangladeshi tourism products abroad.
BTB CEO Jahangir said they are working on a comprehensive web portal for better branding on tourism products and destinations.
He said they will go for digital marketing in an effort to increase inbound tourists in to Bangladesh.
TOAB President laid emphasis on easing visa to attract more foreign tourists in Bangladesh, and specifically mentioned about less number of visas issued by Bangladesh missions in India.
TOAB Director Taufiq Rahman highlighted the role of media in spreading positive news across the world which can help boost inbound tourists.
Earlier in the morning, a colorful rally was brought out in the city that started from Matsya Bhaban intersection at 8:30 am and ended at TSC intersection in Dhaka University campus.
Addressing the rally, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister said the government has been working sincerely to turn Bangladesh as one of the attractive tourism destinations of the world by utilizing its potential and natural beauty.
He said the government has taken a mega plan to boost the tourism sector with a higher presence of domestic and international tourists.
DU Vice Chancellor Dr Md Akhtaruzzaman, Civil Aviation and Tourism Secretary M Mahibul Haque, Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation Chairman Akhtaruzzaman Khan Kabir and DU Tourism and Hospitality Management Department Chairman Dr Md Bodruzzaman Bhuiyan, among others, spoke at the rally highlighting the importance of the day.
Members of the Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh, Aviation and Tourism Journalists’ Forum of Bangladesh (ATJFB), a platform of journalists covering aviation and tourism affairs, Bangladesh Tourism Board (BTB), Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation and other stakeholders took part in the rally.
The government and different organisations celebrated the day through various programmes.
Different organizations will be displaying various tourism related products and activities at the venue from 10 am to 7 pm every day.
Social Welfare Minister Rashed Khan Menon will attend the closing session on September 29.
A discussion on the tourism master plan centring the Sundarbans will be held on the second day of the fest on Friday.
Experts and different stakeholders of the tourism industry will take part in the discussion where Civil Aviation and Tourism Secretary Md Mohibul Haque will attend as the chief guest.
A cultural show was held in the evening where popular folk bands, bauls and other traditional solo singers performed.
Besides, tribal and traditional dance performances are also included in the festival itinerary. – UNB
