Tour operators urged the government to allow them to import tax-free cars, vehicles, water-vessels and necessary equipments for development of the country's tourism sector.
They also called upon the government to develop tourism infrastructure and properly exhibit the country's archaeological sites to the world for attracting more tourists to the country.
They also suggested preparing a master-plan and making huge investment for expansion of tourism sector.
They said these at a programme titled "Pre-Budget Discussion on Civil Aviation and Tourism" at the National Press Club in the capital on Monday.
The Aviation and Tourism Journalists' Forum of Bangladesh (ATJFB) organised the event jointly with the US-Bangla Airlines.
The participants in the open discussion said tourism is one of the fastest growing sectors in the world.
They called upon the government to take steps for massive transformation of the sector as well as to allocate more budgets for promoting the country's tourism.
They also suggested capacity building of the authority concerned - the Bangladesh Tourism Board (BTB) - for proper utilisation of the allocated sectoral budget.
State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism Md Mahbub Ali was present at the programme as the chief guest.
He said the government has taken different initiatives for development of tourism sector.
"We want to develop our country's tourism sector. We want to see Bangladesh as the lighthouse of Asia."
He suggested representatives of the Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh (TOAB) to come up with specific recommendations for the government's consideration.
Civil Aviation Secretary Md Mohibul Hoque said the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism will be developed significantly within the next three years.
Member (Tax) of the National Board of Revenue Kanon Kumar Roy, general manager (public relations) of the Biman Bangladesh Airlines Shakil Miraj, president of the TOAB Taufiq Uddin Ahmed, editor of the Monitor Kazi Wahidul Alam, and representatives of the Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation and the BTB along with leaders of the ATJFB were also present.
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