Govt eyes 21.94m jobs in tourism sector alone

Bangladesh sets an ambitious target of creating 21.94 million jobs in the tourism sector alone by 2040 as part of a broader strategy to transform tourism into a major contributor to economic growth and employment.
Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam informed parliament on Thursday about the job planning in the sector that extends beyond national boundary.
Responding to a written question from MP Md. Abul Kalam of Cumilla-9 during the budget session of the Jatiya Sangsad (JS), the minister outlined a series of initiatives aimed at strengthening the country's tourism branding, enhancing international promotion, and developing a skilled workforce for the sector.
The lawmaker noted that despite Bangladesh's enormous tourism potential, the industry continued to lag behind due to insufficient branding at both national and international levels. He sought details on government measures to improve promotion and develop the skills of those involved in the tourism industry.
In her reply, Afroza Khanam acknowledges that while Bangladesh has undertaken various initiatives to market its tourism attractions and improve professional capacity within the sector, existing efforts remain inadequate compared to the country's vast potential.
The minister mentions that Bangladesh Tourism Board (BTB) has been implementing a comprehensive marketing strategy to promote the country's tourism attractions both at home and abroad. These efforts include participation in international tourism fairs, organisation of roadshows and business-to-business (B2B) sessions in key source markets, and familiarization tours for foreign tour operators, travel agents, journalists, influencers and media representatives.
She adds that Bangladesh's overseas missions and expatriate communities are also being engaged to promote the country's tourism industry globally.
To strengthen digital outreach, the Tourism Board has produced extensive promotional content, including television commercials, documentaries, photographs, and short videos highlighting Bangladesh's diverse tourism offerings.
According to the minister, the board has produced 28 thematic documentaries ranging from three to six minutes in length and more than 500 audiovisual contents currently being disseminated through the "Beautiful Bangladesh" social-media platforms.
In addition, photography and videography competitions have been organised to encourage freelance content creators. Through these initiatives, the board has collected 200 photographs and 60 tourism-focused documentary videos, which are being used for promotional campaigns.

mirmostafiz@yahoo.com