Bangladesh Targets Tourism Growth with Major Investment

The Bangladesh Tourism Board (BTB) is advocating for the introduction of an e-visa system for foreign tourists to accelerate the growth of the country’s tourism sector. The call for modernization was a central theme at a workshop held on Saturday at the BTB conference room in Dhaka, which brought together various industry stakeholders.

BTB’s Chief Executive Officer, Abu Tahir Muhammad Zaber, stated that an e-visa system is essential for attracting a greater number of foreign visitors. He noted that the current manual, or "analogue," visa process acts as a significant barrier to tourism development.

Modernizing the Visa Process

During the workshop, participants emphasized that the existing visa application process is inconvenient for potential tourists. It requires applicants to physically visit Bangladesh missions abroad to submit documents. An e-visa system would streamline this by allowing tourists to apply, pay fees, and receive their visas entirely online.

Travel industry leaders, including representatives from the Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh (TOAB), the Association of Travel Agents of Bangladesh (ATAB), and the Bangladesh Inbound Tour Operators Association, expressed strong support for the proposal. They pointed out that many other countries have already successfully implemented e-visa systems, making them more competitive destinations. The current system for Bangladesh, in contrast, is seen as outdated and a hindrance to growth.

Recommendations and Sector Goals

Following the discussions, the BTB plans to formulate a set of recommendations and forward them to the relevant government bodies, including the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to initiate the process of launching an e-visa service.

The initiative is part of a broader effort to achieve the government’s target of attracting 2.0 million foreign tourists by 2025. Stakeholders believe that simplifying the entry process is a critical first step. The workshop, presided over by BTB director Mohibul Hakim, also touched upon other issues impeding the sector, such as the need for a dedicated tourist police force to ensure the safety of visitors.

The travel and tourism sector is a significant contributor to Bangladesh’s economy, accounting for 4.4 per cent of the nation’s GDP and providing employment for over 4.0 million people. Modernizing visa procedures is viewed as a crucial move to further enhance this contribution.

Key Points

• Government Target: Attract 2.0 million foreign tourists by 2025.
• GDP Contribution: The travel and tourism sector contributes 4.4 per cent to the country’s GDP.
• Employment: The sector provides employment for over 4.0 million people.
• Visa on Arrival: Citizens from approximately 27 countries are currently eligible for on-arrival visas.

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