TOAB urges revision of tour operators & guides rules

Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh (TOAB) on Wednesday demanded revision of the Bangladesh Tour Operators and Tour Guides (Registration and Operation) Rules, 2024.

It also urged the government to make the policy practical, consistent and aligned with the realities of the tourism industry, reports UNB.

The TOAB leaders made the demands by staging a peaceful sit-in programme in front of the Bangladesh Tourism Board in Agargaon in the capital.

The government earlier enacted the Tour Operators and Tour Guides (Registration and Operation) Act, 2021 and under this act, the Rules 2024 were officially published on March 28, 2024.

However, soon after its publication, concerns arose over some of its provisions, particularly the high financial requirements, which tour operators have deemed impractical.

As per the rules, tour operators must submit an application with a non-refundable fee of Tk 3,00,000, a bank solvency certificate of Tk 10,00,000, and a security deposit of Tk 50,000 to obtain a license.

TOAB has protested that such requirements are unrealistic for most tour operators.

They also pointed out that similar licensing under other ministries does not impose such stringent conditions.