Dhaka, Sept 26 (V7N) – Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today called for transforming Bangladesh's tourism industry into a modern, technology-driven, environmentally sustainable and world-class sector, saying tourism can play a vital role in generating employment, earning foreign exchange and promoting local economic development.
"Tourism also provides an important platform to showcase Bangladesh's history, heritage, culture and natural beauty to the world," the Prime Minister said in a message marking World Tourism Day 2026.
Greeting the people and institutions involved in the tourism sector, he said this year's theme, "Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism," provides clear direction for reshaping the future of the industry. "Artificial intelligence, big data and smart technologies can make tourism services more accessible, safe, extensive and people-centred while creating new employment opportunities," the Head of Government said.
Referring to the BNP election manifesto, Tarique Rahman said the government has pledged to develop tourism as a modern and land-efficient service sector. As part of the commitment, work is underway on a National Tourism Master Plan, modernisation of relevant laws and policies, and structural reforms in tourism management.
Noting that more than 30 tourism clusters are being developed across the country, highlighting Bangladesh's history, culture and heritage, the Prime Minister said community, eco, rural, culinary, river and coastal tourism are also being promoted to ensure greater participation of local communities in the tourism economy. The government is also facilitating the development of modern hotels, recreational facilities and tourist attractions through public-private partnerships, while expanding policy support and easier financing for small and medium-sized tourism enterprises and start-ups.
For expanding international tourism, the Prime Minister said a target has been set to develop an extensive national air connectivity network by **2034**, with the aim of establishing Bangladesh as an important aviation hub in South and Southeast Asia. Improved connectivity would facilitate international tourism, while high-value-added hotels, restaurants and entertainment centres would help ensure optimum use of the country's limited land resources.
Tarique Rahman expressed hope that successful implementation of these initiatives would enable the tourism sector to contribute significantly to the national goal of building a **US$1 trillion economy by 2034**. He also said digital connectivity would open up new opportunities for women, young people and small entrepreneurs.
Emphasising environmental protection, the Prime Minister said tourism development must ensure biodiversity conservation, proper waste management and reduced carbon emissions, particularly in coastal and nature-based tourism. He called for collective efforts by the government, private sector, local communities and young people to transform Bangladesh into a safe, sustainable, technology-driven and world-class tourism destination.
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