Govt to observe tourism week, month involving youths

The government has decided to observe ‘Tourism Week’ and ‘Tourism Month’ in phases engaging public especially the young generation for ensuring inclusive and sustainable growth of the country’s travel and leisure industry.

These were revealed today at a press conference on the occasion of World Tourism Day to be celebrated in Bangladesh like elsewhere in the world under the theme of “Tourism and Peace”.

“Tourism is not solely the responsibility of the government. The public is the key stakeholder, and private sector entrepreneurs must also come forward to promote the industry,” Civil Aviation and Tourism Secretary Nasreen Jahan said at the briefing at the secretariat here.

Highlighting the critical role of public participation, she said, Tourism currently contributes 3.02 percent to the country’s GDP while the National Industrial Policy of 2022 identifies 12 subsectors within the tourism industry, offering vast employment opportunities.

She said the government will take various initiatives following the recently completed ‘Tourism Master Plan’ to ensure the sector’s comprehensive development.

Additionally, Nasreen Jahan announced a special initiative to provide training to family members of the heroic martyrs of the July-August uprisings, enabling them to contribute to the tourism industry.

Responding to a question, the secretary said, initiative has been taken to gain confidence of both domestic and international tourists regarding improving the country’s security situation following the July-August mass uprising.

All Bangladesh missions abroad have been instructed to carry forward campaigning regarding the improved scenario of Bangladesh while endeavour is going on to convince different countries to withdraw their travel advisory for Bangladesh.

The secretary also highlighted different programmes that have been taken to celebrate the World Tourism Day in the country tomorrow.

As per this year’s theme “Tourism and Peace”, she said that tourism play a vital role as a catalyst in the process of building peace, fostering positive attitudes among various countries, cultures, and peoples.

Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation chairman AKM Aftab Hossain Pramanik,   Bangladesh Tourism Board CEO Abu Taher Muhammad Jaber, Member of the Civil Aviation Authority, Bangladesh SM Lablur Rahman and ministry’s additional secretary Begum Fatema Rahim Veena also spoke, among others.

The civil aviation and tourism ministry along with its affiliated organizations, the Tourist Police, and other government and private entities, have planned a series of events to celebrate this day with great enthusiasm.

The programmes included a colorful rally starting at 8:00 AM from the Tourism Building in Agargaon, A seminar at 9:00 AM in the ‘Shailpropat Hall’ of the Tourism Building focused on the day’s theme.

Special discounts announced by hotels, motels, and restaurants for this occasion while Biman Bangladesh Airlines offered Special ticket discounts.

The Bangladesh Tourism Corporation will organize a live cooking show.

Painting and essay competitions will be arranged for children at tourism centers in each district to spread awareness about tourism.

On this occasion, the President and the Chief Advisor have already issued messages while special supplements will be published in newspapers.

Since 1980, the UN’s tourism body has proclaimed this day, which has been celebrated with due reverence in member countries worldwide. (BSS)