Tourism development a must for attaining SDGs: FBCCI 

The Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industries (FBCCI) said development of the country's tourism industry is a must for attaining the sustainable development goals (SDGs).

At least six goals of the SDGs are directly related to tourism, and the rest indirectly. The achievement of SDGs by 2030 will be hampered if tourism does not flourish to a greater extent. Hence, it is a must to develop the tourism sector of Bangladesh, said leaders of the business organisation at the first meeting of the FBCCI Standing Committee on Tourism Development at the FBCCI office in the capital on Monday.

Observing that 109 sectors are directly connected, and 1100 sub-sectors are indirectly linked to the tourism industry, they demanded that tourism  be given priority.

At the meeting, tour operators demanded resumption of on-arrival visa facilities, and urged the government to officially announce the country open for foreign tourists.

They called for issuing licenses to tour operators, recognising them as exporters, easing the process of remitting money overseas, and bringing tourist destinations under the tourism ministry.

Speaking as chief guest, FBCCI Senior Vice President Mostofa Azad Chowdhury Babu said the tourism industry lacks skilled manpower and that the industry may consider hiring experienced managers and other staff from Sri Lanka to deal with the problem.
 
FBCCI Director Amzad Hussain said, currently the tourism sector contributes 3.5% to 4% of GDP. This contribution has to be raised to 10% and a coordinated course of action has to be formulated and implemented accordingly.
 
Former CEO of the Bangladesh Tourism Board, Akhtaruz Zaman Khan, said the Bangladesh Tourism Board should incorporate FBCCI representation to bring private sector demand into consideration.  
 
MGR Nasir Majumder, director in-Charge of the standing committee, assured that the FBCCI would continue to provide maximum assistance for the development of the tourism industry.
 
The meeting, presided over by chairman of the standing committee, Taufiq Uddin Ahmed, was also attended by FBCCI Director Harun Or Rashid, Secretary General Mohammad Mahfuzul Hoque, and members of the committee.