Tourism contributes only 3% to Bangladesh's GDP: Tourism Corporation chairman

Despite the immense potential of the tourism industry in Bangladesh, the sector has not achieved its desired targets in the absence of a right action plan, said experts today (27 September). 

In the global economy, tourism contributes 10% to GDP, but in Bangladesh, it is only 3%, AKM Aftab Hossain Pramanik, chairman of the Bangladesh Tourism Corporation said at a discussion organised by the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism at the National Press Club in Dhaka to mark World Tourism Day 2024.

Presiding over the event, he also said, "Our goal is to transform Bangladesh into one of Asia's top tourist destinations. Our mission is to create tourism facilities and ensure quality services by developing a skilled workforce, fostering sustainable tourism, and creating a social movement."

"Tourism and peace are interconnected. While tourism contributes to establishing peace, a peaceful environment is essential for tourism development, creating economic opportunities that alleviate poverty and generate employment," he added.

Meanwhile, delivering the keynote speech, Md Mokhlesur Rahman, senior secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration, said if the right action plan is implemented, the tourism sector could play a significant role in the economic and social development of Bangladesh.

Highlighting the importance of promoting foreign tourism while also developing domestic tourism, he expressed his dissatisfaction with officials of the Bangladesh Tourism Board and Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation, noting that no foreign guests attended the World Tourism Day events. 

He stressed the need to invite foreign embassies in Bangladesh and expand their mindset through moving forward.

Rahman urged the officials of the corporation and board to move away from self-serving motives and focus on their work. He added, "I do not want to see officers from the last 16 years. Forget about past corruption."

Speaking as chief guest, Nasrin Jahan, secretary of the ministry, said that alongside the government, private entrepreneurs need to come together and collectively work to bring Bangladesh's tourism sector to the forefront globally. 

They should take initiatives to coordinate budgets by involving all embassies and government and private organisations, she added.

To mark the day, a colourful rally was brought out from the Tourism Building in Agargaon, Dhaka, on Friday morning. 

Officials and employees of the ministry, its associated departments, the tourist police, and members of other government and non-government organisations participated in the rally, which concluded at the Tourism Building after marching along various roads in the city. 

The discussion also included remarks from Air Vice Marshal Air Vice Marshal Mohammad Md Abu Kalam Siddique from the Tourist Police, Prof Dr Md Shariful Alam Khandakar, chairman of the Department of Tourism and Hospitality at Dhaka University, Abu Taher Muhammad Jaber, chief executive officer of the Bangladesh Tourism Board, and Fatema Rahim Veena, additional secretary of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism.