Dhaka:Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is expected to unveil the National Tourism Master Plan of Bangladesh in December, aiming to initiate a comprehensive development strategy for nearly 1,500 tourism attractions starting January next year.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Bangladesh Tourism Board (BTB) Chief Executive Officer Barrister Mutasim Billah Faruqui has indicated that the government plans to launch the master plan during the Bangladesh Festival in Dhaka, tentatively scheduled from December 27 to 31. However, the final program and the Prime Minister's participation are yet to be confirmed officially.
The BTB aims to submit the master plan to the ministry in the first week of December, hoping to finalize and receive approval from the National Tourism Council for implementation in January. The review committee is expected to provide the reviewed master plan by November 30, after which it will be sent to the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism for further approval.
The National Tourism Master Plan outlines a development roadmap from 2024 to 2041, with goals to attract 5.58 million tourists and generate 21.94 million employment opportunities by 2041. It identifies 1,498 tourism resources across Bangladesh's eight administrative divisions and proposes infrastructure development, destination management, marketing, and human resources enhancement.
The plan includes proposals for developing various tourism types and recommends electronic visas, improved tourist safety, and strengthened destination management. A significant recommendation is to bolster tourism institutions through regional training centers and dedicated development bodies.
Faruqui noted the government's intention to start implementing priority activities by January 2027, emphasizing that the master plan's implementation would involve more than just constructing physical infrastructure. Initial activities could include destination promotion and community engagement.
The master plan also proposes an implementation framework with responsible institutions, financing options, project priorities, and monitoring mechanisms. It highlights early priority projects and investment incentives to boost tourism development.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has previously identified tourism as a priority sector, aiming to make it a significant contributor to economic growth and poverty reduction. The government plans to develop international-standard tourism facilities in Cox's Bazar, Sylhet, and Khulna.
Tourism industry stakeholders have called for early implementation of the master plan, stressing the need for coordinated investment, professional destination management, and improved visitor services to realize Bangladesh's tourism potential.