Dhaka North City Corporation Mayor Md Atiqul Islam inaugurated “Biman-Dhaka Travel Mart 2024” yesterday, a three-day international tourism fair at Sonargaon Hotel. The event, supported by Biman Bangladesh Airlines as the title sponsor, brings together over 80 organizations from home and abroad, showcasing special discounts on airfares, hotel room rents, and tour packages.
Branding Dhaka: A Global Ambition
In his inaugural speech, Mayor Islam emphasized the importance of promoting Dhaka internationally, proposing an effective advisory committee comprised of relevant organizations. He expressed the need to leverage Bangladesh’s unique history, including its language movement and liberation war, to attract tourists.
“We live in a brand-conscious era,” Islam said. “Our history, our culture, our heritage – these are our unique selling points. They make us who we are, and they can make Dhaka a must-visit destination.”
Spotlight on Cox’s Bazar: The World’s Longest Beach
Mayor Islam also highlighted the global appeal of Cox’s Bazar, the world’s longest beach, urging stakeholders to market it effectively. “Cox’s Bazar is not just our pride; it’s a global treasure,” he stated. “It has the potential to draw tourists from all corners of the world.”
A Collective Effort: Government and Industry United
The inauguration was attended by various dignitaries, including the Secretary of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, the CEO and MD of Biman Bangladesh Airlines, the President of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry, the Chairman of Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation, and the CEO of Bangladesh Tourism Board.
These leaders echoed Mayor Islam’s sentiments, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between government and industry to promote Bangladesh’s tourism sector.
“Biman-Dhaka Travel Mart 2024” stands as a testament to this collective effort, offering visitors a glimpse into the diverse travel opportunities within Bangladesh and beyond.
As the fair continues, the hope is that it will not only stimulate immediate travel but also contribute to a broader vision – positioning Dhaka and Bangladesh as prominent players in the global tourism landscape.
In the words of Mayor Islam, “Together, we can make Dhaka a name that resonates with travelers worldwide.”
And so, the journey towards this ambitious goal begins, one step, one visitor, one branding initiative at a time.