Bangladesh has set a target to more than double the tourism sector's contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), lifting it from the current 2-3 percent to 7 percent by integrating the sector more firmly with the mainstream economy, Secretary of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism Fahmida Akhtar said on Saturday.
Addressing a press conference marking World Tourism Day at the Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation Bhaban in Agargaon, she said a satellite account is being developed to assess the sector's real contribution and potential, which will provide a complete picture of tourism-related economic activities, including employment generation, the number of domestic and foreign tourists, inbound and outbound tourism, and preferred destinations.
Based on this data, the National Tourism Master Plan is being updated in line with the government's strategic development plan, with the work expected to be completed by December, she added.
The Ministry has chalked out a week-long programme from September 27 to October 3 to mark World Tourism Day, observed this year under the theme "Tomorrow's Tourism through Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence."
The activities include a colourful rally, a cycle rally, a guided city tour for underprivileged children, exchange meetings with tourism stakeholders and foreign diplomats, and exhibitions and discussion sessions.
Bangladesh Tourism Board (BTB) Chief Executive Officer Mutasim Billah Faruqui told the press conference that a colourful rally involving public and private tourism stakeholders will be held on September 27, showcasing rural Bengal's traditional lifestyle, the heritage of ethnic communities, and Dhaka's cultural legacy. A cycle rally will also be held the same day at 9:30 am.
An exchange meeting with tourism stakeholders is scheduled for September 28, while a similar meeting with foreign diplomats based in Bangladesh will take place on September 30, aimed at promoting the country's tourism potential, attracting more foreign tourists, and fostering mutual cooperation.
The main event of World Tourism Day will be held on October 3 at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Convention Centre in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, featuring 12 themed exhibition stalls highlighting the country's traditional culture, cuisine, Geographical Indication (GI) products, craft souvenirs, handloom and textiles, ethnic heritage, tourist destinations, and rural Bengali lifestyle.
In keeping with this year's theme, artificial intelligence-based demonstrations on tourist destination experiences, time travel, and photography will also be showcased, alongside a discussion session titled "Tomorrow's Tourism through Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence."
For the first time, the "Bangladesh Tourism Award 2026" will be presented across 13 categories, recognising contributions to sustainable development of the tourism industry, service quality improvement, innovation, digital transformation, local community engagement, women and young entrepreneurs, and preservation of the environment and cultural heritage.
Faruqui said initiatives are also underway to intensify international tourism promotion to attract more foreign visitors, involving foreign diplomats as well as influential international bloggers, influencers and journalists to showcase Bangladesh globally.
He added that Bangladesh is participating in international tourism fairs and events abroad to promote its tourism resources and image, while training is also being provided to tourism sector workers and immigration police personnel, who are often the first point of contact for foreign tourists at airports.