Agro-tourism can support local businesses and help to reduce poverty: BTB CEO

Bangladesh has huge potential for the expansion of agro based tourism and it can create jobs, support local businesses, help to reduce poverty and develop rural communities, said Abu Tahir Muhammad Zaber, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Bangladesh Tourism Board (BTB) on Monday.

Speaking at a workshop held at the BTB Conference Room, the CEO further said, “Agro-tourism can help to improve education, skills and the standard of living in rural areas. It can also help to promote sustainable farming practices and reduce the environmental impact of tourism in the country.”

Showcasing the country’s culture Agro-tourism can help to promote the country’s agriculture diversity, cultural traditions and local product, he added.

Bangladesh Tourism Board in association with Bangladesh Flower Society organised the workshop under the banner of “Workshop on Introducing Agro-Tourism in Bangaldesh”.

A Netherlands-based organization, PUM Netherlands supported the workshop.

Harro Boekhold, a renowned Agri-Tourism expert from PUM Netherlands, discussed how agro-based tourism can be expanded in Bangladesh.

Agro-based tourism can be developed with any of the agricultural products, be it fruits, flowers or grains, said Mr Harro, adding that it can also be developed with fisheries or livestock farms.

“Agro-tourism will include agricultural based activities and will attract visitors to a farm. It will contain the opportunity to meet farmers and to know how food is produced. It will also involve visitors actively in farming and rural life,” Harro further said. 

Agro-tourism will generate additional income for families in rural areas, diversify the income in rural areas, create opportunities there and help urban people to understand the important role of farming and rural life, he added.

BTB Director (Marketing, Planning & Public Relation) Saleha Binte Siraj, Director (Marketing and Branding) Mohibul Islam, and officials from different government and non-government organisations also attended the workshop.

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