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The government will work closely with tourism industry stakeholders to address existing challenges, strengthen promotion and unlock the potential of Bangladesh’s tourism sector, Bangladesh Tourism Board (BTB) Chief Executive Officer Barrister Mitasim Billah Faruki said on Monday.
He made the remarks at a view-exchange meeting with tourism stakeholders organised by the BTB at its office in Dhaka to mark World Tourism Day 2026.
Faruki said the government would take a coordinated approach to address issues affecting inbound tourism and create a more supportive environment for tourism businesses.
Responding to a question about travel advisories issued by several Western countries, he said he would raise the issue with the relevant authorities at the highest level of government and engage with the countries concerned with a view to addressing their concerns and having the advisories reviewed.
He said the BTB would also hold further consultations with tourism stakeholders and take necessary measures to address travel advisories issued by different countries.
The BTB chief also outlined several initiatives under consideration, including reviewing the security deposit requirement for registered tour operators participating in international trade fairs, integrating sustainable tourism into school curricula and preparing a list of influential bloggers and content creators in consultation with industry stakeholders.
Tour operators and tourism entrepreneurs at the meeting highlighted the need for stronger international marketing, better incentives and closer coordination among government agencies and industry players.
Md Masud Hossain, managing director of Bengal Tours Ltd, called on the BTB to present Bangladesh more effectively as a tourism destination at Japanese trade fairs and roadshows and to use Bangladeshi missions abroad more extensively for promotional activities.
He also proposed creating more business-to-business opportunities for inbound tour operators and offering incentives to companies working to bring foreign tourists to Bangladesh.
Hossain said effective promotion in Japan could significantly increase foreign-exchange earnings from tourism. He also urged the BTB to respond quickly to travel advisories and work with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the issue.
He further suggested exploring opportunities to attract tourists who may be reconsidering travel plans because of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Hossain called for an assessment of the BTB’s initiatives for inbound tourism since its establishment so that future promotional strategies could be based on lessons from past programmes.
Khabir Uddin Ahmed, president of the Bangladesh Adventure Tourism Association, proposed forming a dedicated committee involving inbound tour operators to identify immediate priorities and coordinate action.
Shaheed Hossain Shamim, managing director of Aziya City, stressed the need to promote Bangladesh’s rural lifestyle and culture as part of efforts to attract international tourists. He also called for incentive programmes for tourism industry stakeholders.
Shafat Uddin Ahmed Tamal, CEO of Market & Trend Holidays, stressed the importance of maintaining destination marketing even during crises.
“Tourism is the first sector to be affected by any crisis and the last to recover,” he said, calling for more direct marketing in international source markets. He also urged the BTB to give greater visibility to the “Beautiful Bangladesh” tourism brand.
Hossain also suggested working with the UK Culinary Association to promote Bangladesh’s tourism attractions through Bangladeshi restaurants in London, including the use of QR codes to provide visitors with tourism information.
Major (retd) Nurany Sharmin Afroz, CEO of Artic Tours, called for better coordination among relevant authorities to make Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport more welcoming and convenient for foreign tourists.
She also recommended strengthening the role of Tourist Information Centres managed by the BTB so that international visitors can receive reliable information and assistance.
Syed Mahbubul Islam Bulu, CEO of Riverine Tours, called for tax rebates for inbound tour operators and duty-free import facilities for tourism vehicles.
He also urged the BTB to reconsider the requirement for registered tour operators to pay security deposits to participate in international tourism fairs such as the World Travel Market (WTM).
Major (retd) Sultana Akhtar, proprietor of Tourism Window, stressed the potential of rural tourism and highlighted a waste-management initiative called “Bhangari Mama”, suggesting that similar programmes could be introduced at major tourist destinations across the country.
Tousif Rahman, CEO of Journey Plus, proposed a top-down approach to tourism development and called for tourism to be formally recognised and treated as a business sector requiring coordinated policy support.
Referring to the recent natural disaster in Nepal, he said Bangladesh should develop a comprehensive crisis-response mechanism for the tourism sector in consultation with industry stakeholders. He cited the Nepal Tourism Board as a possible model for developing such preparedness.
Md Tanzij Anwar, president of ATJAB, proposed introducing a tourism fellowship programme and taking initiatives to sensitise journalists to tourism-related issues.
He also called for greater care in selecting journalists for familiarisation trips and urged the BTB to focus more on generating international media coverage after such visits.
The discussions reflected a broad range of concerns facing Bangladesh’s tourism industry, from travel advisories and international marketing to taxation, investment incentives, infrastructure, crisis preparedness, rural tourism and sustainable tourism.
Faruki said the BTB would consider the recommendations raised by industry representatives and continue consultations with stakeholders to identify practical measures for developing Bangladesh as a more attractive and competitive tourism destination.