The entrepreneurs of the tourism sector want one-stop services for tourists including e-visas and on-arrival visas to attract foreign tourists.
Speakers made this demand in the fourth meeting of the Standing Committee on Tourism Development (inbound, outbound, domestic, and civil aviation) of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) held on Tuesday at the FBCCI in the capital.
While speaking as the chief guest, FBCCI President Md. Jashim Uddin said that the tourism industry of Bangladesh is very important and has a great potential.
"A few days ago HSBC projected that Bangladesh will become the ninth-largest consumer market in the world by 2030. Our economy is growing, and the quality of life is improving. As a result, the tourism industry has now become more important," he said.
Jashim added that the Prime Minister has given special importance to the tourism sector. As a part of this, he said various infrastructural developments are going on at Cox's Bazar, said a press release.
He said that the inauguration of the Padma Bridge has brought new windows to the tourism industry. After the inauguration of the Padma Bridge, the number of tourists in the south and southwestern part of the country has increased significantly.
The FBCCI President also mentioned that the FBCCI will focus on the potential sector of the country in the upcoming Bangladesh Business Summit which is going to be held in March this year on the occasion of FBCCI's 50th anniversary where the tourism sector will be one of them.
Jashim commented that the FBCCI would always stand by all positive initiatives in the development of the tourism sector.
FBCCI Vice President Md. Amin Helaly said that apart from attracting foreigners to the tourism sector in Bangladesh, it is also a big market for the country's large population.
To ensure the discipline and coordination of this potential sector, the participation of all government and private sectors (including associations) who work in tourism is essential.
While moderating the discussion, Director-in-Charge of the Standing Committee on Tourism Development (inbound, outbound, domestic, & civil aviation) M.G.R. Nasir Majumder said that tourism is always one of the priority sectors to the prime minister.
FBCCI director Syed Moazzam Hossain, Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism Sanjida Sharmeen, Co-chairmen, and all Members of the Standing Committee were also present in the meeting.
