Agargaon:Bangladesh: Bangladesh is celebrating World Tourism Day today with a vibrant array of activities including a colourful rally, a bicycle procession, and a city tour for underprivileged children. These events mark the beginning of a week-long programme aimed at highlighting the future of tourism in the country.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the United Nations World Tourism Organization has set the global theme for this year's World Tourism Day as "Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism." In line with this theme, Bangladesh's celebrations focus on the potential of digital transformation and artificial intelligence within its tourism sector. The programme, running from September 27 to October 3, seeks to showcase Bangladesh's culture and attractions while exploring how digital technology can enhance tourism services and visitor experiences.
The day's events kicked off with an opening rally at Parjatan Bhaban in Agargaon, followed by a bicycle rally. The Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation has also launched a guided city tour for underprivileged children to visit tourist attractions in the capital. The Bangladesh Tourism Board is set to meet with tourism stakeholders on September 28 to discuss the industry's development. Additionally, diplomats from countries that are sources of tourists will convene on September 30 to explore cooperation and strategies to attract more visitors to Bangladesh.
The main ceremony will be held on October 3 at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre, where twelve thematic stalls will display Bangladeshi cuisine, geographical indication products, crafts, textiles, cultural heritage, and tourist destinations. The displays will also incorporate artificial intelligence to offer virtual destination experiences. Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat is scheduled to attend a seminar on the theme as the chief guest, with Civil Aviation and Tourism Secretary Fahmida Akhtar chairing the session.
Furthermore, the ceremony will introduce the Bangladesh Tourism Award, with the Bangladesh Tourism Board presenting awards in 13 categories to acknowledge contributions to sustainable tourism, innovation, service quality, digital transformation, community participation, and heritage preservation. A cultural performance will conclude the event.
These celebrations occur as the government is working on a Tourism Master Plan covering 1,498 identified attractions. At a press conference, Civil Aviation and Tourism Secretary Fahmida Akther emphasized the government's holistic approach, including infrastructure development and digital automation, to advance the tourism sector. BTB Chief Executive Officer Barrister Mutasim Billah Faruqui stated the board's aim to finalize the Tourism Master Plan by December, emphasizing engagement with the international community to promote Bangladesh as a tourist destination. BPC Chairman Md Shamimuzzaman highlighted the government's initiative to support the private sector in developing the country's tourism and leisure industry.