Summit launched to promote eco-friendly tourism investment

The first edition of Bangladesh Tourism Development Summit (BTDS), along with the annual Asian Tourism Fair (ATF) in Dhaka were inaugurated yesterday aiming at attracting environment-friendly tourism investment.

The three-day event, organised by Parjatan Bichitra magazine, will continue till tomorrow, from 10am to 8pm, at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre (BICC), offering a plethora of exhibits displaying enticing travel destinations, and special travel packages.

"For the last 10 years, Parjatan Bichitra has been doing relentless work through the Asian Tourism Fair to promote travel and tourism in Bangladesh, and represent Bangladesh in the international arena," said State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism, Mahbub Ali, while inaugurating the mega event as the chief guest.

"We are doing our best so that Bangladesh becomes an emerging destination in the world. Our master plan is now ready, and we are determined to implement it for the betterment of all involved in the travel, tourism, hospitality, and aviation sectors," he added.

Civil Aviation and Tourism Secretary Mokammel Hossain, Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation Chairman Rahat Anwar, Bangladesh Tourism Board CEO Abu Tahir Muhmmad Zaber, Bangladesh Services Limited Managing Director Atiqur Rahaman, Biman Bangladesh Airlines Managing Director Shafiul Azim, and Bangladesh Investment Development Authority Executive Chairman Lokman Hossain Miah were present as special guests.

Presidents of leading travel associations of the country, officials from the embassies and consulates, journalists and industry influencers also attended the occasion.

The Bangladesh Tourism Development Summit (BTDS) features seminars and discussions on topics such as investment opportunities in tourism, emerging trends of smart tourism, responsible initiatives for the sustainability of future tourism, future skilled jobs, entrepreneurship in tourism.

Asian Tourism Fair (ATF) Dhaka is an annual event that brings together National Tourism Organisations (NTOs), travel agents, tour operators, Destination Management Companies (DMCs), airlines, cruise companies, attractions, embassies, and the country's top travel associations under one roof.

Alongside local tourism agencies, stakeholders from India, China, Nepal, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and Dubai, are among the participants at the fair, offering various packages and discounts for agents, B2B businesses and consumers.