New platform launched to spur domestic tourism growth

Travel and Tourism Development Centre (TTDC) started its journey as a national platform dedicated to advancing the sustainable growth of Bangladesh’s tourism, hospitality and aviation sectors through public-private collaboration. The platform was launched at a ceremony held at InterContinental Dhaka on Saturday.

Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam Rita was the chief guest at the launching ceremony the chief guest. Senior government officials, policymakers, industry leaders, tourism and hospitality professionals, aviation stakeholders and representatives from the private sector also attended the event to discuss opportunities and challenges facing home tourism, hospitality and aviation industries.

Sadia Haque, executive committee member of the organisation, presented a keynote on the ‘State of Bangladesh’s Tourism, Hospitality and Aviation Sectors’ following the formal inauguration of TTDC, highlighting the sector’s potential, emerging opportunities and the importance of stronger collaboration between the government and private sector.

Later, a high-level panel discussion was held featuring Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, executive chairman, Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA); Dr Khondaker Golam Moazzem, research director, Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD); Ahmed Yusuf Walid, president, Galaxy Group; and Ashwani Nayar, area general manager, IHG South West Asia and cluster GM, Crowne Plaza Dhaka Airport.

The discussion stressed the prospects of Bangladesh’s tourism, hospitality and aviation sectors, the need for coordinated policy and investment initiatives, and ways to unlock the country’s considerable tourism potential. The discussants also underscored the importance of public-private partnerships, infrastructure development, improved services and a stronger ecosystem to make Bangladesh a more competitive and sustainable tourism destination.

Earlier, TTDC executive committee member Shahid Hamid delivered a welcome speech followed by a brief introduction to the newly launched platform by TTDC president Kazi Wahidul Alam.

At the event, TTDC executive committee member and launching committee chairman Nasser Rahman said the establishment of TTDC marks an important step towards creating a structured platform where government and industry stakeholders can work together to address challenges and develop new opportunities for Bangladesh’s tourism, hospitality and aviation sectors.

The launch of TTDC is expected to provide a dedicated platform for policy dialogue, knowledge sharing, industry collaboration and advocacy, with the broader objective of contributing to the sustainable development and international positioning of Bangladesh’s tourism, hospitality and aviation sectors.