Tourism sector seeks stronger state backing
Around four million people are directly and indirectly employed in the tourism sector, making it an important source of jobs and foreign currency earnings
ATT Correspondent
Leaders from Bangladesh’s tourism industry have called for stronger government support, policy reforms and better coordination between the public and private sectors to unlock the industry’s economic potential and attract more foreign tourists.
The made the call at a roundtable styled 'Expectations from the New Government for the Tourism Sector' held in Dhaka on Thursday. Tourism entrepreneurs, academics, aviation professionals and media representatives took part in the discussion and highlighted the sector’s growing importance to the national economy.
The event was organised by the United Tourism Stakeholder Society of Bangladesh (UTSSOB), a newly formed tourism sector think tank.
Speakers said Bangladesh’s tourism industry has long suffered from weak policy support, a lack of reliable statistics, insufficient research and poor international branding, despite the country’s rich natural and cultural attractions.
They noted that around four million people are directly and indirectly employed in the tourism sector, making it an important source of jobs and foreign currency earnings.
Dr M Badruzzaman Bhuiyan, a professor at the Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management, said tourism is the main economic driver in 51 countries and stressed the need to make better use of tourism graduates from universities.
Novoair Managing Director Mofizur Rahman said all stakeholders in the tourism industry must work together in a coordinated way to ensure sustainable growth.
Adviser to the Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh (TOAB) Syed Habib Ali said meaningful progress in the sector would not be possible unless the country’s top political leadership gives direct attention to tourism.
Former chief executive officer of the Bangladesh Tourism Board, Javed Ahmed, said the government must recognise tourism as a strong economic growth engine capable of diversifying the economy and increasing foreign exchange earnings.
Speakers also stressed the importance of policy support, infrastructure development, research-based planning and international marketing to attract more foreign visitors.
The roundtable was chaired by UTSSOB President HM Hakim Ali. Opening remarks were delivered by the organisation’s General Secretary Rezaul Ekram, while Vice-President Toufiq Rahman moderated the discussion.
Other participants included tourism entrepreneurs, aviation professionals, academics and industry representatives, who urged the new government to formulate a long-term tourism development strategy to turn the sector into a major pillar of Bangladesh’s economy.
