Govt urged to set up special tourist zones

Speakers at a seminar held in the city Saturday urged the government to set up special tourist zone in Comilla, Sylhet and Chittagong to woo Indian tourists mainly from seven sisters who hardly visit Dhaka.
Executive Director of Bangladesh Foundation for Tourism Development (BFTD) Rezaul Ekram said some 120,000 Bangladeshi tourists visited Malaysia as of November, 2014 showing an increasing trend of out bound tourists.
He speaking at a press conference at a city hotel on the outcome of Moitri Tourism Road Show held in Agartala, India from November 14 to 17 last.
He said some 400 Indians from Tripura came to Comilla, Noakhali and Sylhet to see old homes of their ancestors who lived here before the partition.
Besides, he also urged the Bangladesh Tourism Board to offer special discount on room rent of motels under Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation.
Bangladesh Foundation for Tourism Development (BFTD), in cooperation with Bangladesh High Commission in Tripura and High Commission of India, organized the 'Moitri Tourism Road Show at Agartala' to attract tourists in the seven sisters of India.
HM Hakim Ali, chairman BFTD, Akhtaruz Zaman Khan Kabir, CEO of Bangladesh Tourism Board and BFTD and Akbaruddin, president TOAB organised the press briefing.
Rezaul Ekram said that BFTD is working for cost effective cross border tourism through establishing connectivity with stakeholders of neighbouring countries.
Tripura Tourism Development Forum (TTDF), and BFTD in collaboration with Tripura tourism Development Corporation Ltd., organized the road show.
There are many places of interest including Muktijudho park, nilkomol for tourists from Tripura who also want to visit Chittagong and Coxs Bazar.
Tripura tourists feel that since India does not have travel tax, Bangladesh also should withdraw travel tax. Now more tourists from Tripura are coming to Bangladesh than that of Bangladeshi tourists.
Hakim Ali said BFTD is pioneer in organizing road shows in Bangladesh. BFTD organized similar event in Kolkata and London. After the event, inflow of tourists from Kolkata increased.
Hakim Ali appreciated the role and support of BTB extended to events organized by BFTD. He conveyed his thanks to Tripura tourism Minister Ratan Bhoumik, TTDF, TTDCL, BTB, Shamoli Paribahan and High Commission of India for their cooperation, Akber Uddin Ahmed, President TOAB said. "We should not think any organization as our competitor but all tourism related organizations should work together and support each other," he added. He recalled his participation at Kolkata Road show organized by BFTD in 2012.
Akhtaruz Zaman Khan Kabir, CEO of Bangladesh Tourism Board  informed that BTB will be organizing road shows abroad shortly and requested for support from BFTD as pioneer organization.
About 18 tour operators from Bangladesh joined the road show in Agortola A power presentation showing activities at Agartala was made.

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