UTSSOB launches tourism research drive
Think tank launches membership drive, announces studies on Sreemangal and the Sundarbans
ATT Correspondent 
The United Tourism Stakeholders Society of Bangladesh (UTSSOB), a tourism think tank representing stakeholders across the country's tourism industry, has launched a membership drive while unveiling a series of research initiatives aimed at supporting evidence-based tourism development.
The decisions were made at an emergency meeting of the organisation's Board of Directors and Advisers held on Thursday.
As part of the membership campaign, five new members formally joined the organisation by submitting their membership fees to UTSSOB President HM Hakim Ali and pledging to actively contribute to the think tank's activities.
The meeting decided to immediately undertake two research projects focusing on Sreemangal in Moulvibazar and the Sundarbans in Khulna, two of Bangladesh's leading tourism destinations. UTSSOB also plans to conduct a survey among visitors to Dhaka to better understand tourists' experiences, expectations and the challenges they face.
Participants said Bangladesh's tourism sector has long suffered from a shortage of reliable data and research, making it difficult for policymakers and businesses to make informed decisions. They stressed that regular surveys covering inbound, outbound and domestic tourism would generate valuable information to help formulate evidence-based policies and improve tourism planning.
The newly inducted members emphasised the need to establish UTSSOB as a common platform for all tourism stakeholders, with research and knowledge generation at the heart of its activities. They said stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors would be essential to unlocking the country's tourism potential.
The meeting also decided to organise a roundtable discussion to mark World Tourism Day on 27 September, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders and researchers to discuss the key challenges and opportunities facing the sector.
In addition, UTSSOB will publish a regular newsletter featuring research findings, policy recommendations and updates on the organisation's activities to promote informed dialogue on tourism development.
The meeting was chaired by UTSSOB President HM Hakim Ali. Among those who addressed the meeting were Vice-President Toufiq Rahman, General Secretary Rezaul Ekram, Director Kamrul Hasan, tour operator Borhan Uddin, tourism entrepreneur Sabina Yasmin, Pugmark Tours & Travels' Nazrul Islam Bachchu, Adviser Pronab Saha and other members.
