Dhaka:Tourism experts have emphasized the need for a skilled, professional, and service-oriented workforce to unlock the potential of Bangladesh's tourism sector and boost economic growth and employment opportunities.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Bangladesh Tourism Board (BTB), in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO), organized a daylong program at Hotel InterContinental Dhaka. The event was attended by Civil Aviation and Tourism Secretary Dr. Nurun Nahar Chowdhury as the chief guest, with ILO National Programme Officer Alexius Chicham as a special guest. BTB Chief Executive Officer Barrister Mutasim Billah Faruqui chaired the event.
Dr. Chowdhury, speaking at the event, highlighted the importance of developing skilled human resources alongside infrastructure to transform the country's tourism potential into tangible economic growth and employment. She called for coordinated efforts by the government, educational institutions, and the private sector to align university education with industry requirements. She also emphasized enhancing communication skills, language proficiency, digital capabilities, leadership qualities, and professional ethics among students to succeed in the competitive job market.
The initiative titled 'Unlocking Careers and Employment Opportunities for Tourism and Hospitality Management (THM) Students in Tourism Industry' is part of the ILO's Promoting Gender Responsive Enterprise Development and TVET Systems (ProGRESS) project. The program aimed to connect students, recent graduates, and faculty representatives from various universities with potential employers, offering direct interactions and CV submissions.
Barrister Faruqui noted the importance of effective partnerships among educational institutions, industry, and the government for the tourism sector's long-term development. He pointed out the gap between students' awareness of diverse tourism employment opportunities and employers' expectations, suggesting that the program serves as a practical platform to narrow this gap.
The event featured seven thematic discussions covering various aspects of the tourism and hospitality industry, with participation from experienced professionals and organizations such as InterContinental Dhaka, The Bengal Tours Limited, and US-Bangla Airlines. Speakers underscored the significance of practical training, technological skills, and innovative thinking, alongside academic education, to create inclusive and sustainable employment opportunities in tourism.