Tourism master plan includes 1,498 tourist spots

The government is preparing an integrated tourism master plan covering around 1,498 tourist spots across Bangladesh as part of efforts to develop the sector in a planned, eco-friendly and sustainable manner.

Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat disclosed the plan in a written response to a question from MP Shawkat Ara Akter during a question-and-answer session in Parliament on Sunday.

He said around 1,498 tourist spots had been identified across the country and work was underway to finalise the comprehensive master plan.

The government is also drafting the National Tourism Policy 2026 to guide the development of the sector and promote sustainable tourism, the minister said.

As part of efforts to improve tourism planning, the government is preparing a Tourism Satellite Account to address data gaps and provide a clearer picture of the sector’s contribution to the economy.

Millat said the government had also taken steps to develop tourism destinations under a Community-Based Tourism model, involving local communities in tourism activities and ensuring that they benefit from the growth of the sector.

The government is also working to improve visitor safety by increasing the manpower of the Tourist Police, he said.

Push for cultural tourism

The Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism and the Ministry of Cultural Affairs will jointly promote cultural tourism, according to the minister.

The two ministries have decided to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation in this area. A standard operating procedure will be prepared and a joint task force formed after the agreement is signed, he said.

The government has also launched the Beautiful Bangladesh branding initiative to promote the country as an international tourism destination.

Work is underway to develop an official website, beautifulbangladesh.gov.bd, as part of the promotional initiative.

The minister said the government wanted to develop Bangladesh’s tourism destinations in a coordinated and environmentally responsible manner while attracting more domestic and international visitors.

The master plan is expected to provide a broader framework for developing the country’s tourism infrastructure, improving visitor facilities and encouraging greater participation of local communities in the sector.