Dhaka: The 3-day 13th Asian Tourism Fair (ATF) 2026, showcasing travel and tourism offerings from home and abroad, will begin in Dhaka on Thursday at the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB). Details of the fair were unveiled at a press conference held at a city hotel in Gulshan on Monday, addressed by ATF Chairman Mohiuddin Helal.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation (BPC) Chairman Md Shamimuzzaman was present as chief guest. Endorsed by the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism and supported by BPC and the Bangladesh Tourism Board, this year's fair will feature over 200 organisations from 10 countries, including Bangladesh, across nearly 300 booths in three halls. Hotels, resorts, tour operators, travel agents, airlines, public and private tourism bodies, and foreign missions will showcase their products and services along with offers for visitors.
Key attractions include the "Destination Bangladesh Showcase," "International Tourism Showcase," and "Bangladesh Tourism Investment Showcase," alongside B2B sessions, seminars, destination presentations, panel discussions, product promotions, and networking events. Cultural performances from Bangladesh, Nepal, and the Philippines will be held every evening.
"ATF 2026 will play a role in fostering business linkages among tourism stakeholders at home and abroad, promoting tourism products, and creating new investment opportunities in Bangladesh's tourism sector," said Helal. He added that the fair emphasizes region-based tourism, including haor tourism, Sundarbans-centric tourism, river tourism, adventure tourism, community tourism, and eco-tourism, while providing a platform for foreign organisations to promote their tourism offerings.
This year's fair has been planned with the participation and demand of children, students, and tourism sector entrepreneurs and visitors in mind, with efforts made to ensure the involvement of women entrepreneurs and community tourism stakeholders. Samimuzzaman said such international fairs are vital for the growth of Bangladesh's tourism industry, adding that the coordinated participation of public and private sectors through ATF helps highlight the country's tourism potential and investment opportunities both at home and abroad.
He noted that the Asian Tourism Fair has emerged as a platform for Bangladesh's tourism industry. He further said the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism has endorsed the fair, with BPC extending overall cooperation and participation. Representatives from Thailand, the Philippines, Maldives, and Malaysia, along with various partner and sponsor organisations, were present at the press conference, where they highlighted their preparations and discount offers ahead of the upcoming winter tourist season.
Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M. Rashiduzzaman Millat is scheduled to inaugurate the fair as chief guest while the Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs minister is expected to attend the closing ceremony on September 19. The entry fee for visitors is set at Tk 30, with entry coupons offering a chance to participate in a raffle draw. Winners will receive air tickets along with travel prizes and gift vouchers, both domestic and international.