Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M. Rashiduzzaman Millat on Sunday informed Parliament that the government has started working to finalise a comprehensive mega plan for the development of the country's tourism sector by identifying 1,498 tourist destinations.

“Work on formulating the National Tourism Policy 2026 has already begun. Work is underway to finalise an integrated tourism master plan by identifying about 1,498 tourist centres across the country,” he said.

The Minister said this replying to a starred question from Shaukat Ara Akter (333 Women's Seat-33).

Rashiduzzaman said the government has taken various initiatives to develop tourist destinations as environmentally friendly and sustainable attractions to attract both domestic and foreign tourists.

He also said the process of preparing a Tourism Satellite Account is underway to address information gaps in the tourism sector and facilitate its planned development.

The minister said initiatives have also been taken to develop tourist spots under a community-based tourism model, involving local people in the development process.

To enhance tourist safety, the government has taken steps to increase the manpower of the Tourist Police, he added.

Millat said a decision has also been taken to sign a memorandum of understanding between the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism and the Ministry of Cultural Affairs for joint efforts to develop cultural tourism in Bangladesh.

“After signing the MoU, work on formulating a Standard Operating Procedure will begin. In addition, a joint task force will be formed to expedite the activities,” he said.

The minister further said initiatives are underway to brand Bangladesh as an international tourist destination through the Beautiful Bangladesh campaign.

He said the government is developing the beautifulbangladesh.gov.bd website as part of its efforts to promote the country's tourism attractions internationally.