He said this while inaugurating a three-day tourism fair titled ‘Asian Tourism Fair’ (ATF) in the city to showcase tourism products and services of participating countries at the International Convention City, Bashundhara (ICCB).
The junior minister said it is necessary to ensure domestic and foreign private investment alongside public funds for the sustainable development of the tourism sector.
Urging all domestic and foreign investors to invest in the tourism sector, he said, "Investment environment has already been ensured in our country."
Mahbub Ali said Bangladesh's tourism industry is growing at a positive rate. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government has been working to promote the tourism industry as a priority sector. It has already adopted and implemented several agendas to promote Bangladesh's tourism industry globally.
"If our projected plan can be implemented properly, it will help make the tourism sector one of the leading foreign exchange earners in the country, besides providing employment to a large number of people in Bangladesh's tourism industry. The present government is very sincere about utilizing the huge potential of the tourism sector of Bangladesh," Mahbub Ali said.
“I would urge our citizens to explore the beauty of their country before leaving for holidays abroad. Travel more inside the country, know your country, know yourself," he added.
Bimstec Secretary General Shahidul Islam, Indonesian Ambassador to Bangladesh Rina Soemarno, Chairman of Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation Ram Chandra Das, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Bangladesh Tourism Board (BTB) Dr. Bhubon Chandra Biswas and Chairman of the organising committee Mohiuddin Helal.
A cultural performance was held in the afternoon by cultural troupes from Bangladesh, the Philippines and Indonesia as part of the inaugural ceremony.
Parjatan Bichitra, with the support of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, the Bimstec Secretariat, Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation (BPC) and BTB, is hosting the fair.
Around 150 exhibitors from eight countries - Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, China, Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand- are taking part in the fair this year. Fifty of the exhibitors are said to be foreign.
There will be various packages, discounted prices and attractive offers, including air tickets, cruising, hotel bookings and package tours to travel at home and abroad, on offer during the fair, according to the organisers.
On the sidelines, tourism-related seminars will be organised by Bimstec Secretariat and Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation.
The sponsoring airline - Biman Bangladesh - is offering special discounted tickets on spot reservation basis.
The fair will remain open from 10am to 7pm till September 28.