The Bangladesh Tourism Fair-2024 commenced at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre (BICC) in Dhaka, organised by the Association of Travel Agents of Bangladesh (ATAB). The three-day event, which began on a Thursday, is set to conclude on Saturday. Its primary objective is to foster employment opportunities for youth within the burgeoning tourism sector and to promote domestic tourism across the nation.
Focus on Youth Employment and Domestic Tourism Growth
The fair serves as a significant platform for various stakeholders, including airlines, hotels, resorts, tour operators, travel agents, amusement parks, financial institutions, education providers, and hospitality management institutes. Md Mokammel Hossain, the secretary of the Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry, graced the inaugural ceremony as the chief guest. He highlighted tourism’s immense potential for job creation, particularly for young people, and advocated for the development of community-based tourism to leverage Bangladesh’s natural attractions. Shibli Rubayat-Ul-Islam, chairman of the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC), attended as a special guest, stressing the importance of skilled human resources and investment in training to enhance the tourism sector’s capacity to attract foreign currency.
ATAB president Md Abu Taher, who presided over the ceremony, reiterated the fair’s commitment to promoting tourism nationwide and contributing to the national economy through collaboration between government and private entities. SM Hafizur Rahman, president of the Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh (TOAB), praised the event for uniting industry professionals and emphasized the crucial role of domestic tourism. Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) president Md Mahbubul Alam underscored tourism’s dual benefit of job creation and foreign currency generation, calling for a comprehensive tourism master plan to guide future development.
Diverse Participation and Future Outlook
The fair has attracted robust participation, featuring more than 160 organisations from 13 different countries, showcasing their offerings across approximately 200 stalls and pavilions. Beyond displaying tourism products and services, the event facilitates B2B meetings, cultural programmes, workshops, seminars, and raffle draws, creating a dynamic environment for networking and business development. The collective vision articulated by the dignitaries and organisers is to transform Bangladesh into a prominent global tourism destination, building on its natural beauty and hospitality, while simultaneously addressing the need for skilled labour and sustainable growth.
Key Points:
- More than 160 organisations
- 13 different countries
- About 200 stalls and pavilions
- Three days (duration of the fair)
- 2024 (year of the fair)
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