1,498 country spots to be made tourism hubs: Minister
The planned tourism hubs will include accommodation, healthcare and other facilities for visitors
ATT Desk Report 
Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam said on Friday the government has identified 1,498 tourist spots across the country to turn them chronologically into tourism hubs as part of boosting the tourism industry, reports state news agency BSS.
Tthe minister shared her observations with the mass media following her visit to Uttara Ganabhaban in Natore district. She said, "The government is working to promote country’s tourism and as part of it, the government has identified 1,498 tourist spots, which will be developed chronologically into tourism hubs."
The planned tourism hubs indicate community-based tourism (CBT), which not only gives traveller a real insight into local lives, but also ensures his/her travel experience makes a genuine difference to local people.
CBT is a type of sustainable tourism that includes local communities in the planning, development, and management of tourism activities in their area. This approach to tourism can have a positive impact on both the local community and the environment. In Bangladesh, CBT is being promoted as a way to promote economic development and preserve the country’s rich cultural heritage.
Describing Uttara Ganabhaban as part of the country’s heritage, she said martyred President Ziaur Rahman had held cabinet meetings there and afterwards BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia also held cabinet meetings at the venue. "We hope that incumbent Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will also visit Uttara Ganabhaban and formulate a development plan for Natore."
Tourism hubs would include not only the development of tourist attractions but also accommodation, healthcare and other facilities for visitors, she added.
The minister mentioned that the government is considering reopening Ishwardi Airport. "We are giving priority to ensuring services and are working to improve quality of life," she said.
Whip Ruhul Quddus Talukder Dulu, Bangladesh Tourism Corporation Chairman Md Shamimuzzaman and Natore Deputy Commissioner Asma Shahin were present at the programme.
