Tourism stakeholders on Sunday called for a comprehensive crisis management plan to revive the country's tourism and hospitality sector, which has been impacted by recent student-people-led uprising, reports BSS.
Speaking at a seminar, industry experts recommended a series of measures, including boosting safety assurances for tourists, enhancing public relations efforts, participating in international tourism fairs, and appointing tourism officials in Bangladeshi missions abroad.
The event, titled 'Roadmap for Tourism Recovery: Present Bangladesh Context,' was organised by the Bangladesh Monitor, a leading aviation and travel publication.
Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Chairman Peter A. Semone attended the programme as the chief guest, while the session was moderated by Bangladesh Monitor editor Kazi Wahidul Alam.
In his keynote speech, Syed Ghulam Qadir, General Secretary of the Bangladesh chapter of the World Tourism Network (WTN), analysed the downturn in the tourism sector following political protest during July and August.
He noted that hotel occupancy rates had plunged to 10-15 per cent during the movement but have since recovered to around 30-35 percent.
However, he said, many international bookings remain cancelled.
Qadir proposed several recovery strategies, including organizing road shows and familiarization (FAM) trips, establishing an e-visa system, engaging Bangladesh's national carrier Biman in tourism promotion, and leveraging the influence of non-resident Bangladeshis (NRBs).
He emphasized the need to recognise inbound tour operators to help rebuild the sector.
According to government statistics, Bangladesh welcomed 555,000 foreign visitors last year when the tourism sector contributing 3.2 per cent to the national GDP.
Despite its growing potential, Bangladesh's tourism remains primarily driven by domestic travellers, Qadir said.
Other participants in the discussion included PATA Bangladesh Chapter president Shahid Hamid, Secretary General Taufiq Rahman, Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh (TOAB) President Md Rafeuzzaman and Unique Hotel and Resorts CEO Md Shakawath Hossain.
