Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Minister Dipen Dewan has said the country’s hilly region has immense potential for tourism and the government is taking special initiatives to attract not only domestic but also foreign tourists to the region.

“Necessary measures are also being taken to ensure the safety of foreign visitors and allow them to travel freely,” he said while addressing a views-exchange meeting on the development of the tourism sector in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, organised by the Resort Owners Association in Rangamati on Sunday night.

Dipen Dewan said an increase in foreign tourist arrivals in the Chittagong Hill Tracts would not only help earn foreign currency for the country but also reduce unemployment at the local level and improve the financial condition of residents.

Mentioning some administrative barriers to foreign tourists’ travel in the region, he said discussions are underway at the highest levels of the government to address the issues.

Referring to concerns over tourist safety in the hills, the minister said fear and negative propaganda often discourage foreign tourists from travelling there.

“We must work together to stop this culture of intimidation. Only then will people be able to freely enjoy the natural beauty of the hills,” he said.

He urged the media to help remove negative perceptions through positive reporting.

Speaking about Kaptai Lake, he said the vast waterbody is a valuable national asset and that the government plans to achieve economic prosperity in the tourism sector centring the lake.

The meeting, chaired by Resort Owners Association Rangamati President Tonay Dewan, was also attended by the organisation’s Vice-President Lalit Chandra Chakma, General Secretary Sumet Chakma, district BNP leader Subhash Chakma, member Bappi Tanchangya and other local leaders.