FE Report
The ongoing international tourism fair has attracted a large number of visitors, a draw participating firms said will help boost domestic tourism.
On the second day of the Dhaka Travel Mart (DTM) 2015, thousands of visitors visited the fair to gather information about popular tourist spots.
One participant was Track Air Tours and Travels. Shakeef Md Shafique, its Chief Executive Officer (CEO) said "I am satisfied with the response from visitors".
He said every year his company participates in the fair as the event is an opportunity to be introduced to the customers.
He said the tourism fair has been playing an important role in the promotion of the country's sector.
He said the fair has created an opportunity for direct interaction between the tour operators and tourists.
Sagor Ahmad, a businessman from Mirpur, said he came to the fair to get some information about several tourist areas at home and abroad.
He said he plans to visit Saint Martin's Island or the Sundarbans with his family during the Pahela Boishakh, the first day of the Bengali New Year.
He said at the fair, he has gathered much information on tourism spots from the participating companies.
There are many places of natural beauty and many archaeological sites, which can be of interest to tourists, said Kazi Wahidul Alam, chairman of the Dhaka Travel Mart (DTM) 2015.
He told the FE Friday the fair has created an opportunity for tourists, both from home and abroad, to learn more about the tour facilities.
Mr Alam said "For sustainable tourism sector we need to attract more foreign tourists."
He said the sector players need to identify and promote the appropriate tourism products, especially in countries from where the local tours operators may expect tourists.
Farzana Islam, a college teacher from Uttara, said every year she visits the fair as the companies offer discount on travel.
She said many Bangladeshi tourists have been traveling abroad ignoring local tourist spots.
She said the government should take initiative for encouraging local people to visit local places of natural beauty and historical importance.
At the 12th edition of the fair, 60 local and international airlines, tour operators and hotels are displaying and promoting their products and services.
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