Dhaka Travel Mart begins with call to unlock tourism potential

Speakers at a function on Thursday laid emphasis on infrastructure development for unlocking the country's tourism potential.

The sector witnessed a steady growth in the recent years as the number of tourists continued to rise, they told the inaugural ceremony of a three-day international tourism fair styled NOVOAIR Dhaka Travel Mart 2019 at a city hotel.

The function was told that the number of international air travelers grew by 22.10 per cent over the last five years while the domestic air traffic registered a 64.7 per cent growth during the same period, they added.

State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism Md. Mahbub Ali inaugurated the expo as the chief guest, with chief editor of The Bangladesh Monitor Raquib Siddiqi in the chair.

Acting Nepalese Ambassador to Bangladesh Dhan Bahadur Oli, CEO of Bangladesh Tourism Board Dr. Bhubon Chandra Biswas and NOVOAIR Managing Director Mofizur Rahman, among others, were present.

Mr. Mahbub Ali said the fair will help boost the country's tourism sector and underscored the need for utilising the untapped potential of the local tourism industry.

Mr. Dhan Bahadur Oli said there are many areas where Bangladesh and Nepal can work together to explore the untapped tourism potential.

Raquib Siddiqi said the credit of significant growth in domestic air travel undoubtedly goes to three private airlines - NOVOAIR, Regent Airways and US-Bangla Airlines - and the national flag carrier Biman Bangladesh Airlines.

NOVOAIR is the title sponsor of the fair while Bangladesh Tourism Board and Biman are its partners.

Some 41 organisations from seven countries, including host Bangladesh, will showcase their products and services in five pavilions and 70 stalls during the fair. The national tourism organisations of Bangladesh, Nepal, Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia are participating in the travel mart.

Other participants include airlines, tour operators, hotels, resorts, online booking portals and healthcare service providers, among others.

Participating organisations are offering attractive discounts for visitors on their products and services including domestic and international air tickets, holiday packages for home and abroad.

The fair will remain open for all from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm every day until Saturday with an entry fee of Tk 30.

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