Tourism board seeks more private investment, inter-ministry coordination

The Bangladesh Tourism Board (BTB) has urged businesses and investors to step up investment in the country’s tourism industry, saying greater private-sector participation is essential to realising the sector’s economic potential.

Speaking at a press briefing in Dhaka today ahead of World Tourism Day 2026, BTB officials said tourism development could not be driven by the government alone and called for greater private-sector collaboration to expand the industry.

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The government is working to create a more investment-friendly environment for tourism, but the private sector also has to come forward and take a more active role, said Barrister Mutasim Billah Faruqui, chief executive officer of the board.

"We need greater private investment in tourism products, services and infrastructure, supported by the right policy initiatives, if we are to unlock the sector’s full potential,” he added.

The BTB officials also stressed the need for stronger coordination among ministries and government agencies, saying tourism cuts across multiple sectors and cannot develop effectively without coordinated action.

Infrastructure, security, transport, environmental management, cultural heritage promotion and destination development require coordinated efforts among relevant ministries and authorities, the briefing heard.

The call comes as the government seeks to transform the tourism sector and move ahead with implementation of the tourism master plan.

The officials also stressed the importance of involving local communities in tourism development, saying local stakeholders are essential to protecting destinations, preserving local culture and ensuring that tourism creates benefits at the community level.

This year’s World Tourism Day will be observed under the theme “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism”, with the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism organising a week-long programme from September 27 to October 3.

Activities will begin tomorrow with a rally at Parjatan Bhaban in Agargaon, followed by a bicycle rally and a city tour. An exchange of views with tourism stakeholders is scheduled for September 28, while diplomats from tourism source countries will join another discussion on September 30.

The main ceremony will be held on October 3 at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre, featuring 12 thematic exhibition stalls showcasing Bangladesh’s culture, cuisine, crafts and destinations, alongside AI-based tourism experiences.

The BTB will also introduce the Bangladesh Tourism Award 2026 for the first time, recognising contributions across 13 categories, including sustainable tourism, innovation, digital transformation, community engagement and entrepreneurship.

Fahmida Akhtar, secretary of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, and Md Shamimuzzaman, chairman of Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation, also spoke at the press briefing.