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A three-day regional tourism fair has kicked off in the capital, aiming to promote cross-border connection, enhance cultural exchange and drive economic growth.
The fair styled '10th Asian Tourism Fair and Bangladesh Tourism Development Summit 2023' began at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre on Thursday.
Md Mahbub Ali, state minister for civil aviation and tourism, inaugurated the fair at a programme as the chief guest.
Civil Aviation and Tourism secretary Md Mokammel Hossain, Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) executive chairman Lokman Hossain Miah, Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation chairman Md Rahat Anwar, Bangladesh Tourism Board CEO Abu Tahir Muhmmad Zaber and Bangladesh Services Ltd managing director Atiqur Rahaman spoke at the event as special guests.
Nepalese ambassador in Dhaka Ghanshyam Bhandari and Sri Lankan deputy high commissioner Ruwanthi Delpitiya also spoke at the programme as special guests.
Parjatan Bichitra, a tourism-based magazine, is hosting the event with the support of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism (MoCAT).
Addressing the event, Mr Mahbub underlined the importance of tapping into the vast potential of the local tourism sector.
He highlighted the rapid growth of the tourism and hospitality industry in Bangladesh, attributing it to the government's unwavering commitment and timely policy support.
Mr Mahbub said the government has crafted a policy guideline aligned with sustainable development goals to promote sustainable tourism in the country.
According to organisers, around 150 local and global tourism-related businesses, including tour operators, airlines and hoteliers, are participating and offering their services to local and foreign travellers. The fair remains open to visitors from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm every day.
The BIDA is the strategic partner of the event and the National Skills Development Authority as the skill-building partner.
Different organisations, including a2i, Biman Bangladesh Airlines, Eastern Bank PLC and Intercontinental Dhaka are supporting the event.
The fair will end on Saturday.