The government is actively working to enhance quality infrastructure, implement stronger security measures, and simplify visa processes in an effort to promote sustainable tourism in the country.
Through well-devised strategies and policies, the tourism sector has the potential to significantly boost the country’s economy while contributing to sustainable development.
Foreign Advisor Md Touhid Hossain made this comment while speaking as the chief guest at a seminar titled ‘Tourism for Attaining SDGs: Challenges and Prospects for Bangladesh’ orgainsed by Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) held at its auditorium in the capital on Monday.
Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry secretary Nasreen Jahan was present as the Special Guest. Director General of BIISS Major General Iftekhar Anis delivered the welcome address. Chairman of BIISS Ambassador AFM Gousal Azam Sarker chaired the session.
The foreign advisor said that Key challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, lack of security and safety, poor communication and transportation networks, and insufficient hotels, motels, and restaurants are significant barriers to the sustainable growth of the tourism sector. These gaps in the current tourism framework pose serious threats to its future development and sustainability.
Infrastructure improvements and addressing environmental concerns are essential to transform tourism into a major contributor to country’s GDP, he added.
However, speakers during the seminar said that the government has established three tourism zones, improved facilities at key tourist sites and implemented various policy measures to promote sustainable development through tourism. To revitalize this industry, innovative and strategic actions are urgently needed.
Executive Director of Tourism Research & Development Abu Sufian presented the keynote presentation. A panel discussion followed the Keynote presentation. The panelists were Senior Research Fellow of BIISS Dr Sufia Khanom, DIG of Tourist Police Bangladesh Md Abu Kalam Siddique and Director in Charge (FBCCI) Dr Munal Mahbub.
Senior officials from different ministries, diplomatic missions, media, researchers, business people, academia, and representatives from various think tanks and international organisations participated in the seminar.
