Dhaka: The government is emphasising public-private partnerships and increased investment to transform Bangladesh's tourism potential into a planned, sustainable, and internationally competitive industry, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat said on Thursday.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the minister highlighted the diverse tourism resources of the country such as rivers, hills, the sea, and forests during the inaugural ceremony of the three-day 13th Asian Tourism Fair in Dhaka. The Sundarbans, the world's largest mangrove forest, the long natural sea beach at Cox's Bazar, and Kuakata, among other tourist spots, were cited as key attractions.
The minister noted that tourism potential extends beyond a few established destinations, with nearly every region of the country having its own unique tourism prospects. Efforts are being made to turn these possibilities into a planned, sustainable, and internationally competitive tourism industry through a master plan. This plan will focus on private investment and public-private partnerships (PPP).
Minister Millat stated that tourism development is also a political commitment as part of a broader plan for economic diversification, job creation, and balanced regional development. Plans to develop Cox's Bazar as a regional tourism hub were outlined, with the new Cox's Bazar International Airport aimed at attracting foreign tourists. The minister also mentioned potential PPP model developments for the Sundarbans.
He stressed the importance of involving local communities alongside the public and private sectors in tourism development, stating that advancing the tourism sector requires a collective effort. He urged stakeholders to contribute new, innovative, and cost-effective ideas to further enhance tourism's contribution to the economy.
The event saw attendance from ambassadors, high commissioners, development partners, investors, and tourism industry stakeholders. Organisers announced that the tourism fair will run until September 19, with participation from more than 200 organisations from 10 countries and approximately 300 booths set up at the fair.