Dhaka:On Sunday, Bangladesh celebrated World Tourism Day with a series of events reflecting optimism that the tourism sector will significantly contribute to the goal of achieving a USD 1 trillion economy by 2034.
According to United News of Bangladesh, President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir urged stakeholders across public and private sectors to collaborate in utilizing technology and artificial intelligence to modernize the tourism industry. He emphasized establishing Bangladesh as a premier global tourist destination while maintaining ecological balance and cultural heritage.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman highlighted tourism's role beyond recreation, noting its importance for generating employment, earning foreign exchange, and promoting local economic development. He stated that developing a modern, technology-driven, and environmentally friendly tourism industry is a priority in Bangladesh's development planning.
Globally, the latest World Tourism Barometer from UN Tourism reported that 690 million tourists traveled internationally from January to June 2026, marking a 2% increase in Q1 but a subsequent 1% decline in Q2. The decrease was attributed to the Easter holiday calendar effect and Middle East conflict impacts. A 3% drop in global arrivals in June was influenced by Western Europe's 6% decrease due to a heatwave and a 5% drop in South-East Asia caused by geopolitical tensions and travel disruptions.
In Dhaka, the celebrations included a colorful rally from Parjatan Bhaban, with tourism stakeholders showcasing Bangladesh's attractions. A bicycle procession and a guided city tour for underprivileged children were also part of the activities, marking the start of a week-long celebration ending on October 3.
Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, Abul Kalam Azad Siddiqui, noted the government's focus on tourism as a major economic sector, envisioning it as a key economic engine alongside the RMG and remittance sectors.
Civil Aviation and Tourism Secretary Fahmida Akhter mentioned the government's holistic approach, encompassing infrastructure and digital automation, to develop the tourism industry. This year's theme, 'Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism,' highlights the importance of technology in transforming tourism services.
Bangladesh Tourism Board CEO Barrister Mutasim Billah Faruqui stated that an integrated plan for sustainable development of diverse destinations is expected by December. The Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation (BPC) has prioritized 60 projects worth Tk 19,000 crore, aiming to increase tourism's economic contribution to 8-10% and potentially double employment.
Upcoming discussions include a meeting with stakeholders on September 28 and a diplomatic meeting on September 30 to encourage more foreign tourism. The celebrations will conclude on October 3 at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre.