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The three-day 13th Asian Tourism Fair (ATF) will begin in Dhaka on Thursday, bringing together more than 200 tourism-related organisations from Bangladesh and nine other countries.
The fair will be held at the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB) from September 17 to 19 and will remain open to visitors from 10am to 7 pm each day.
Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat will inaugurate the fair at 11am on Thursday, according to a press release issued by ATF Chairman Mohiuddin Helal on Wednesday. Secretary of the ministry Fahmida Akter, along with ambassadors and high commissioners from different countries, will attend the opening ceremony.
More than 200 organisations will participate in the fair, featuring around 300 booths, according to organisers. Hotels, resorts, tour operators, travel agencies, airlines, government and private tourism bodies, foreign missions and other organisations will showcase their tourism products and services.
Major attractions include the Destination Bangladesh Showcase, International Tourism Showcase and Bangladesh Tourism Investment Showcase. The programme will also feature B2B sessions, seminars, destination presentations, panel discussions, product promotions and networking events.
Cultural performances from Bangladesh, Nepal and the Philippines will be held every evening.
Organisers said this year’s fair will place special emphasis on domestic tourism hubs, Sundarbans tourism, river tourism, adventure tourism, community tourism and ecotourism. Foreign participants will also have opportunities to promote destinations and tourism services from their respective countries.
Various activities have been arranged for children, students, tourism businesses and general visitors, while special attention has been given to women entrepreneurs and community-based tourism.
The fair is being held with endorsement from the Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry and support from Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation and the Bangladesh Tourism Board.
Biman Bangladesh Airlines is the title sponsor, while Crowne Plaza Dhaka Airport is the platinum partner and Chuti Group is a co-sponsor.