Adequate ‘investment a must to tap potential’

An adequate investment is needed to tap the potential in travel and tourism sector for enhancing its contribution to the country's economic development.

Speakers made the suggestion while addressing the inaugural ceremony of a three-day Dhaka international tourism fair titled 'Biman-Dhaka Travel Mart 2024'.

The 19th edition of the fair began on Thursday in Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in the capital.

Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) mayor Md Atiqul Islam formally inaugurated the fair as the chief guest.

The function was also addressed by Md Mokammel Hossain, secretary of the Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry, Shafiul Azim, managing director and CEO of Biman Bangladesh Airlines, Mahbubul Alam, president of the FBCCI, Saiful Hoque, country head of Sabre, Md Abu Kalam Siddique, DIG of Tourist Police, and Kazi Wahidul Alam, editor of The Bangladesh Monitor.

In his address, Atiqul said, "Most of the tourists of our country go abroad to spend their holidays. However, there are many places in our country that we have not seen. We have to do branding of those places."

In his speech, Mr Mokammel said, "Bangladesh has huge potentiality in travel and tourism sector that should be explored."

Mahbubul said, "We need adequate investment in travel and tourism sector. We have to take initiatives to make our major tourism spots like Cox's Bazar, Chattogram and Sylhet as tourism hubs. We have to explore these areas."

Organised by travel and tourism publication The Bangladesh Monitor, the fair is supported by the Biman Bangladesh Airlines as the title sponsor.

Over 80 organisations from home and abroad representing airlines, hotels, resorts, travel agents, tour operators, training institutes, medical tourism agencies and other travel-related service providers are showcasing their products and services in over 100 booths and pavilions.

The participating companies are offering special discounts on airfares, hotel room rents, tour packages and others for the visitors.

The fair will be open for visitors from 10.00am to 8.00pm every day on payment of an entry fee of Tk 50 per person.

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