Tourism
Parjatan's Padma Bridge package tour launched
Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation (BPC) on Friday launched a special tour package, targeting the huge tourism potential of the recently inaugurated Padma Bridge.
The tour package was inaugurated by the State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Mahbub Ali in a function organized at the Tourism Building this afternoon.
In the opening ceremony, the minister said that the Padma Bridge has opened the door for the development of tourism in South Bengal. Tourists will now be able to visit Kuakata Beach, Sundarbans and other southern tourist centers in a very short time, he added.
"Various tourism facilities will be created on both sides of Padma Bridge through Bangladesh Tourism Corporation."
He also said that Padma Bridge is part of our history and it has taken us to a special place of pride and dignity in the world.
As a result of this bridge, the economy of the entire country including South Bengal will be speeded up and prosperous.
Read: Padma Bridge to transform Bagerhat’s tourism industry
The package tour titled "Dream Padma Bridge Tour" will be conducted regularly every Friday and Saturday. Through this trip, tourists can enjoy the beauty of Padma Bridge in the daylight, as well as in the evening and night.
Travelers can confirm their booking by contacting Bangladesh Tourism Corporation at 01941666444, 01300439617 and 02-41024218.
Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry Secretary Md. Mokammel Hossain, Bangladesh Tourism Corporation Chairman Md. Ali Kadar, Bangladesh Tourism Board Acting Chief Executive Officer Abu Tahir Md. Jaber were also present on the occasion.
Padma Bridge to bring good luck for the Sundarbans tourism
The Sundarbans, the world’s largest natural mangrove forest, braces for footfalls of greater number of visitors owing to the newly opened Padma Bridge that has brought the famed tourist destination in the south-western region closer to the rest of the country.
Travel to the region will be smooth and fast, according to tour operators and forest officials.
The forest department is already gearing up to welcome the rush of tourists by opening four new ecotourism centers close to the forest, which is shared by Bangladesh and West Bengal in India.
Read: Special cattle train on C'ganj-Dhaka route ahead of Eid
Tourists will now have direct road access to the forest and its adjoining areas Mongla in Bagerhat.
Md Belayet Hossain, divisional forest officer (DFO-east) of the Sundarbans said, “The new tourism centres will be built at Andharmanik in Chandpai range, Ali Banda in Sarankhola range, Sheikher Tek at Satkhira range and Kalabogi under the Sundarban Ecotourism Project at the cost of Tk 25 crore. The four new ecotourism centres will be added to the existing seven at Koromjol Herbaria, Kotka , Kochikhali, Dubla of Chandpai range on the eastern part and Hiran point and Kalagachia of west division.”
In these centres, gazebos, foot trailers, public toilets, watch towers and walkways will be built for tourists, he added.
Padma Bridge to transform Bagerhat’s tourism industry
The much-awaited Padma Bridge finally opened to traffic on Sunday. With this, the tourism industry of the country’s southwest region is expected to undergo massive transformation.
Thousands will get jobs, a new economic corridor will be opened for the region’s people. New establishments will grow centering Khulna, Bagerhat and Kuakata and the number of tourists will increase. Income from the tourism sector will also shot up manifold, according to officials and tour operators.
The expected transformation will be brought about by the Padma Bridge.
Also read: Shariatpur fish traders see huge prospects as Padma Bridge opens
Thailand Travel Guide: Top places to visit, amazing things to do
From the glorious white elephants, marveled temples to nifty Tuk Tuks, Thailand is almost synonymous with nature’s own paradise on earth. Thailand abounds with natural beauty, scenic locations, and a robust tourism sector. Not to mention Thailand offers world-renowned street food as well. As the summer season picks up for the first year without major Covid 19 restrictions, tourism is flourishing again in Thailand right now. Are you ready to make and check off a bucket list in the land of Buddha? Here’s a perfect itinerary to enjoy the best of what Thailand has to offer.
Best places to visit and crazy things to do in Thailand
Bangkok
There’s no better place to start off the trip than the downtown capital itself. The main airport of the country, Suvarnabhumi is also situated here. Head over to the Khao San road to experience the Thai style of nightlife and partying. Moving on, there are multiple sightseeing options ranging from modern to historic.
Start at Wat Arun and Wat Pho, two of the largest and most sacred temples in the country. The Emerald Buddha is also something to marvel at right on the outskirt of the main business district. The Chatuchak market held on the weekends is the perfect place to get the Thai shopping fix.
Read E-Passport for Children in Bangladesh: Application process, necessary documents
And as for the food, head over to any of the over 300,000 stalls and restaurants across the city. Here’s a pro tip. Pack some modest clothes alongside the vacay ones. The sacred temples are very strict about what can be worn or not inside the premises.
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai arguably holds the top spot for tourism in the entire peninsula. The laid-back city on the bank of the Thai sea offers a mix of nature, mountains, and old escape like no other. The centuries-old temples of Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh are definitely something to marvel at.
Bangladesh bans fishing in Sundarbans for 3 months
The forest department has announced a three-month ban on tourism and fishing in the Sundarbans from June 1.
"These three months are the breeding season for most of the species of fish and hence the imposition of the ban in accordance with the Integrated Resources Management Plan (IRMP)," said Md Belayet Hossain, divisional forest officer (DFO-east) of the Sundarbans.
“The forest department has already stopped issuing entry permits to implement the ban, and vigil in the mangrove forest will also be increased,” he said.
Also read: Six held for illegally netting fish in Sundarbans
Usually the ban remains in force from July 1 to August 31. "But this year we are imposing the ban a month before in coordination with the Ministry of Fisheries,” the DFO said.
"This ban will help in the breeding and preservation of fish," he added.
ln the 6,017 sq km Bangladesh part of the Sundarbans, there are 210 species of white fish, 24 species of shrimp, 14 species of crabs, 43 species of Mollusca and one species of lobster.
Also read: 7 fishermen held for illegally catching fish in Sundarbans
3-day In’l tourism fair begins in Dhaka June 2
A three-day international tourism fair is going to begin in the capital on June 2.
The Bangladesh Monitor will organise the tourism expo titled: Triplover Dhaka Mart-2022 (DTM-2022) at Pan Pacific Sonargaon hotel.
Following the devastating effect of COVID-19 pandemic, the country's travel and tourism-based publication house will organize the fair in a view to accelerate the recovery of the travel and tourism sector, said Kazi Wahidul Alam, Editor of The Bangladesh Monitor.
He said the State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism Md. Mahbub Ali will inaugurate the expo at 11 am while Prof. Shibli Rubayat-Ul-Islam, Chairman(Senior Secretary), Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) and Md. Jashim Uddin, President, FBCCI will be present on the occasion.
Also read: Monsoon Tourism: Best Places to Visit During the Rainy Season in Bangladesh
The organizers noted that a total of about 50 organisations, representing national tourism organisations, airlines, tour operators, hotels, resorts, travel agencies, online travel agencies, healthcare service providers from home and abroad are taking part in the DTM 2022.
The 3-day fair will remain open for visitors from 10 am to 8 pm everyday on payment of an entry fee of Tk. 40 per person. Attractive prizes will be offered in the raffle draw, which will include airline tickets to Maldives, Singapore, Kolkata, Cox’s Bazar and many others.
Attractive special offers and discounts will also be offered by the participating organizations during the 3-day fair including free hotel accommodation in Cox’s Bazar and other destinations by US-Bangla Airlines.
On the sideline of the fair a seminar on “Prospect of Bangladesh as a regional aviation hub” will be held on June 4 at 3.30 pm.
Leading online Travel Agency (OTA)Triplover is playing host as Title Sponsor of the fair while the biggest private sector airline of the country US- Bangla Airlines is the Co-sponsor. National carrier Biman Bangladesh Airlines, Bangladesh Tourism Board (BTB) and Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation (BPC) are the Partners of the DTM-2022.
Also read: FBCCI: Tourism must grow enabling Bangladesh to achieve SDGs
The press meet was addressed among others by Md. Zahid Hossain, Director (Additional Secretary) Sales and Marketing, Biman Bangladesh Airlines; Nishat Tasneem Shaikh, General Manager and Head of Operations of Triplover; Md. Kamrul Islam, General Manager, PR, US-Bangla Airlines; and Md. Ziaul Haque Howlader, Manager (Sales Development & PR), Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation.
Monsoon Tourism: Best Places to Visit During the Rainy Season in Bangladesh
In Bangladesh, the monsoon has already arrived. On some Days it rains heavily, while on other days incessant mizzles continue for several hours. Though a rainy day might be cumbersome for many, some people adore rain as a blessing of mother nature. Not to mention, rain allows for an escape from the hot and humid weather of the summer. During the monsoon, nature looks greener, more pure and utterly peaceful in Bangladesh. If you are an outdoor enthusiast, utilise this majestic misty weather to rediscover the natural beauty of the country. Here are some of the most amazing places in Bangladesh to travel during the monsoon season.
Top Places to Visit in Bangladesh During Monsoon Season
Ratargul Swamp Forest
The Ratargul swamp forest is among the handful of freshwater swamp forests in the world. It is a protected natural area under the Department of Forestry of Bangladesh.
The Ratargul swamp forest is situated 26 km away from downtown Sylhet in the Gowain River. During the monsoon season, the water from Assam floods the river which creates an intricate maze of micro rivers through the forest. Crisscrossing through the forest in a boat provides an ethereal experience with hundreds of local flora and fauna making the experience even more magical. Tourists can also go to the two adjoining haors – the Neoa Bil Haor and the Shimul Bil Haor which are an attraction of their own.
Read Romantic Beach Honeymoon Destinations in Asia
Coxs Bazar
In recent years, Cox’s Bazar has become a tourist hub for all seasons. However, most of the tourists flock there in the winter season making it a packed tourist spot. The same isn’t true for the monsoon season though. Since the monsoon is practically off-season for Cox’s Bazar tourism, tourists can expect great deals and discounts on their stay.
The experience of the seaside is out of this world during the rainy season. The misty clouds catch the water on the horizon. The roaring waves and winds make for an absolutely swiveling experience. This is definitely something one should experience at least once in their lifetime.
Read Sky Dining Cox's Bazar: A New Frontier in Bangladesh's Food Industry
Bichanakandi
The list will not be complete if we don't mention Bichanakandi. This low-lying stream of water coming from the Seven Sisters of Meghalaya offers some of the most scintillating views of nature. The rocky pathway on both sides simply alleviates the overall ethereal feel of the place.
FBCCI: Tourism must grow enabling Bangladesh to achieve SDGs
The achievement of sustainable development goals by 2030 will be jolted unless a vigorous growth of tourism in the country, said the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry on Monday.
The FBCCI Standing Committee on Tourism Development (Inbound, Outbound, Domestic & Civil Aviation) stated this at its first meeting at its office here.
“At least 6 goals of the SDGs are directly and the rest are indirectly related to tourism. Therefore, if tourism is not flourished, the achievement of sustainable development goals by 2030 will be hampered,” the apex business association said.
Also read: Any rise in power, gas tariff to be suicidal: FBCCISpeakers at the meeting, meanwhile, said some 109 sectors are directly and 1100 sub-sectors indirectly linked with the tourism industry. Every single tourist creates 10 direct and 35 indirect employment opportunities.“Therefore, tourism should be treated as a priority sector” they demanded.Tour operators urged the government to officially announce the country open for foreign tourists as the government declared for overseas businesspeople.
Read Self-reliance in seed production essential for food security: FBCCIThey also demanded the resumption of the “on-arrival visa” facilities to encourage foreign tourists to come to Bangladesh.During the meeting, businesspeople called for issuing licenses to tour operators, recognizing them as exporters, easing the process of remitting money overseas, bringing tourist destinations under the tourism ministry, and ensuring security.
Speaking at the meeting FBCCI Senior Vice President Mostofa Azad Chowdhury Babu said the tourism Industry lacks skilled manpower. The industry may hire experienced managers and other staff from Sri Lanka to deal with the problem.
Also read: FBCCI President urges Canadian companies to invest in Bangladesh’s waste managementRecognizing the government's interest in the tourism sector Vice President MA Momen emphasized securing tourist spots.The coordination between public and private efforts has to be further enhanced, he added.Vice President Md. Amin Helaly called for developing the standard of hospitality services by undertaking skill development programs.
Read FBCCI to boost business with MexicoFBCCI director Syed Moazzem Hossain said the sector must work on compliance, identifying tourism products and country branding as well as rationalizing hotel, motel, and resort fares.FBCCI Director Amzad Hussain informed the meeting that currently, the Tourism sector contributes 3.5 to 4 percent to the GDP. This contribution has to be raised to 10 percent. Therefore, a coordinated course of action has to be formulated and implemented accordingly.The former CEO of Bangladesh Tourism Board Akhtaruz Zaman Khan said that the BTB should incorporate FBCCI representation to bring the private sector demand into consideration.
Read Brand Bangladesh in a new way, FBCCI president urges entrepreneursThe Director in Charge of the standing committee M.G.R. Nasir Majumder assured that the FBCCI would continue to provide maximum assistance for the development of the tourism industry.The meeting was presided over by the chairman of the standing committee Taufiq Uddin Ahmed.Co-Chairman and the members of the committee, FBCCI Director Harun Or Rashid, and Secretary-General Mohammad Mahfuzul Hoque were also present at the meeting.
Read Abolish supplementary duty on locally-produced goods: FBCCI president
Upto 50% of hotels, motels booked already for Eid holidays
Holidaymakers are set to visit Cox’s Bazar, the longest unbroken sea beach in the world, in droves during the Eid-ul-Fitr holiday as 50 percent hotels and motels were booked ten days before the biggest religious festival.
Cox’s Bazar is the most attractive tourist spot in Bangladesh and Eid vacations come with the opportunity of taking a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
The authorities concerned of many hotels and motels are passing a busy time preparing their respective establishments for tourists.
Also read: Markets, construction works on Dhaka-Ctg highway likely to mount woes of holidaymakers
Sri Lanka wants Bangladeshi investment in tourism, agriculture sector
Sri Lanka is keen to attract investment of Bangladeshi entrepreneurs in the tourism and agriculture sector to enhance foreign investment in the island state.
Sri Lankan High Commissioner Sudharshan Seneviratne expressed the interest in a courtesy call on the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce & Industries (FBCCI) president Md. Jashim Uddin on Sunday.
Read:People getting benefits of tax reduction on commodities: Commerce Minister
Speaking at the meeting at the FBCCI office, the envoy said his country is offering attractive incentives for foreign investors, including tax holidays. Bangladeshi entrepreneurs can benefit by investing in huge uncultivated land in Sri Lanka.
The Ambassador also sought Bangladesh's cooperation in the development of tourism and shipping.
He said the Colombo port now has four harbors and is equipped with more modern facilities.
In response, the FBCCI president Md. Jashim Uddin said a free trade agreement between the two countries would make it easier to increase bilateral trade and investment.
“Urging to increase regional trade, the President said that most of Bangladesh's trade is with the United States and the European Union. But it is more profitable to do business with neighboring countries,” he said.
Referring to the huge volume of trade in NAFTA and ASEAN, the President said that if SAFTA was implemented, the development of SAARC countries would have been accelerated, he said.
The FBCCI President also emphasized the importance of cooperation in the energy sector among the SAARC countries.
Read:BGMEA for inclusion of more transgender people into mainstream economy
During the meeting, FBCCI Director Priti Chakraborty called for joint initiatives on nursing training between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
FBCCI Vice President Habib Ullah Dawn, Director Shomi Kaiser, Dr. Nadia Binte Amin and Secretary General Mohammad Mahfuzul Hoque, among others, were present in the meeting.