BPC to resume tour operation this month after 10 years

Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation (BPC) is going to resume its tour operation this month after 10 years, targeting local tourists, reports BSS.

"We have already made eight tour packages for domestic tourists, and Mango tour operation in Rajshahi and Chapai Nawabganj, one in the packages, will begin from third week of this month," BPC marketing manager Parvez Ahmed Chowdhury said Tuesday.

Mr Chowdhury said BPC is resuming its tour operations as per the directives of Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Rashed Khan Menon, as he would like to involve the public sector in tour operation alongside the private sector for providing high quality services to the domestic tourists.

"As per the directives of the minister, we have reactivated the tour operation unit and initially arranged seven tour packages, targeting the domestic tourists."

After resuming tour operation for the domestic tourists, BPC will also offer packages targeting foreign tourists.  

"We will sign agreement with Biman Bangladesh Airlines, to operate our tour programmes for the foreigners," he added.

A spokesperson of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism said the present government thinks BPC has the responsibility to provide high standard services to both domestic and foreign tourists, and it should be run on fully commercial basis.

Director of Tour Operator Association of Bangladesh (TOAB) Toufiq Rahman said, "We have no objection that BPC will operate tour packages. But it will be a tough competitor for the private sector, as the organisation has its own hotels and motels."

However, he said if BPC focuses more on producing skilled manpower rather than going for commercial operation, it will be more beneficial for the private sector to contribute to the country's tourism development.

He hoped that BPC will ensure high quality services, as substandard tour operations can tarnish Bangladesh's image in the international tourism market.

BPC's eight tour packages are - Dhaka city tour (one-day trip), Bangabandhu Safari Park tour in Gazipur (one-day trip), Explore ancient capital of Bengal in Sonargaon (one-day trip), Tea orientation and nature tour in Sreemangal and Sylhet (3 days, 2 nights), Exploring community-based tourism in craft village in Tangail (2 days, 1 night), Mango tour in Rajshahi and Chapai Nawabganj (3 days, 2 nights), Exploring indigenous culture in Bandarban and Nilgiri (3 days, 2 nights), and Nature and culture tour in Rangamati (3 days, 2 nights).