Play store
Philippine Ambassador to Bangladesh Nina Padilla Cainglet today expressed optimism about expanding tourism cooperation between the two countries, stressing people-to-people connectivity, cultural exchanges and sustainable tourism development.
“I look forward to more cooperation between our two countries,” she said at the inauguration of the three-day Bangladesh Travel and Tourism Fair (BTTF) 2026 at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre (BCFCC) in Agargaon.
Cainglet said tourism offered significant opportunities to deepen friendship and mutual understanding between Bangladesh and the Philippines while promoting economic growth, job creation and cultural preservation.
“Tourism gives you the opportunity to see the heart and soul of countries,” she said, noting that travel allows people to experience different cultures, traditions, cuisines and heritage.
She described tourism as a bridge between nations that brings people closer and encourages greater appreciation of cultural diversity.
Highlighting the Philippines’ tourism attractions, the envoy invited Bangladeshi travellers to visit the Southeast Asian country, praising its natural beauty and hospitable people.
“It’s a beautiful country. Its people are kind and hospitable,” she said, adding that visitors could feel at home there.
The ambassador said tourism was not just about leisure and recreation but also played a vital role in supporting livelihoods and national economies.
“It directly or indirectly supports 10 percent of global economic activity. It supports at least one of 10 jobs,” she said.
Welcoming the fair’s theme, “AI Powered Tourism, Sustainable Destination”, Cainglet emphasised the need for sustainable tourism practices to safeguard natural resources and cultural heritage for future generations.
“What we have today, we inherited it, and we pass it on to the next generation,” she said.
She also praised the organisers for showcasing traditional dances and cultural performances, observing that tourism could help preserve and revive traditional music, dances and other cultural expressions that might otherwise fade away.
Cainglet congratulated the Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh (TOAB) on organising the international exhibition and wished continued growth and success for Bangladesh’s tourism industry.
Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry Secretary Dr Nurun Nahar Chowdhury inaugurated the 14th edition of BTTF as the chief guest.
Organised by TOAB, the fair will run until October 31, bringing together tourism operators, airlines, hotels, travel agencies and hospitality businesses from home and abroad.
Participants from 16 countries are attending the exhibition, which features more than 200 booths and stalls, over 220 exhibitors and around 2,500 trade visitors, according to the organisers.
The event aims to showcase Bangladesh’s tourism potential, expand international business networking and promote technological innovation and sustainable tourism practices.
