Specific action plan afoot for tourism after years of stagnation

Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam said the government has laid stress on a specific action plan for the tourism sector, which has not flourished as desired for the past 17 years.

She said this today (6 May 2026) as the chief guest at a view-exchange meeting with officers and staff members of Bangladesh Tourism Board at the Bangladesh Tourism Corporation.

The minister urged the concerned officials to take new and innovative initiatives to make the domestic tourism sector dynamic and profitable.

She further said that extensive campaigns and strategic branding of tourist spots are necessary to make tourism activities more visible. “Since the expected progress has not been made for a long time, now is the time to take this sector to new heights through planned steps and effective implementation.”

Afroza mentioned that the government is working towards transforming Bangladesh Tourism Corporation into a profitable entity.

Speaking as a special guest there, State Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat said effective measures will be taken to identify hotels and restaurants that have been making losses for a long time and turn them into profitable establishments.

On-site inspections will be conducted at district level and proper actions will be taken for this purpose, he added.

Millat also directed the authorities concerned to gradually replace the corporation's existing vehicles with environmentally friendly electric ones.

A power-point presentation on the history, vision, goals and ongoing activities of both tourism corporation and board was presented at the meeting.

Civil aviation and tourism secretary Fahmida Akhter, Bangladesh Tourism Corporation chairman Sayema Shahin Sultan, along with officers of corporation and tourism board, were also in attendance at the meeting.