TTDC seeks bigger role for Bangladesh in global travel market

Dhaka : Bangladesh needs coordinated policy, stronger private-sector investment, and a more expert-driven approach to tourism if it is to turn its substantial potential into a larger economic contributor, speakers said at the launch of the new think tank Travel and Tourism Development Centre (TTDC) held at Inter-Continental Dhaka on August 8. TTDC is a national platform dedicated to advancing the sustainable growth of Bangladesh's tourism, hospitality, and aviation sectors through meaningful public-private collaboration.Afroza Khanam Rita The launching ceremony was attended by Afroza Khanam Rita, Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism, as the Chief Guest. Speaking on the occasion, the minister said tourism currently contributes about three percent to Bangladesh's GDP, generating around USD 10 billion in economic value and supporting about two million jobs. The government wants to raise the sector's contribution to six percent, she informed. The government is preparing a master plan for tourism and developing separate mega tourism plans for Cox's Bazar, Sylhet, and Khulna, the minister added. More than 1000 potential tourism hubs have also been identified across the country. She stressed that the private sector would have to play the leading role in developing the industry, while the government would support businesses through policy measures and diplomatic efforts. Public-private cooperation would be essential to turn the planned tourism hubs into viable destinations, she mentioned. The minister further added that TTDC could provide an important platform for such collaboration.Nasser Rahman Nasser Rahman, TTDC Executive Committee Member and Chairman of Launching Committee, speaking at the event, painted a more critical picture of Bangladesh's position in the regional tourism market. He said Bangladesh remains far behind other South Asian countries and has yet to establish a meaningful presence as an international tourism destination. Most foreign visitors coming to Bangladesh are business travelers rather than leisure tourists, Rahman sighed. He claimed that some business travelers identify themselves as tourists on embarkation forms because declaring business travel can involve additional immigration formalities. As a result, the number of genuine international leisure tourists is considerably smaller than headline visitor figures might suggest, he noted. Rahman also pointed to an imbalance between inbound and outbound tour operators. According to him, Bangladesh has roughly 50 outbound operators for every five inbound operators. While inbound tourism brings foreign currency into the country, outbound tourism sends money abroad, he said. He called for greater involvement of tourism professionals and experts in government institutions, particularly the Bangladesh Tourism Board and Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation, rather than relying predominantly on bureaucrats. "Bangladesh is the only country in South Asia where tourism is zero," Rahman said, arguing that the industry needs to be revitalized under the current government. He said the TTDC could function as a think tank and advise the government on practical strategies that can be implemented within existing budgets. He also suggested bringing in an international tourism expert for two or three years to advise the government on developing the sector. Rahman said Bangladesh's resort industry also remains heavily dependent on domestic visitors, with international tourists largely absent. Domestic travelers typically stay for only a short period, while attracting foreign tourists could encourage longer stays and higher spending.Kazi Wahidul Alam Kazi Wahidul Alam, President, TTDC, also addressed the event. He said the four components of the sector - travel, tourism, aviation, and hospitality - are closely interconnected and together form a complete value chain. He expressed that TTDC was established to promote sustainable growth and development through research, information, advocacy, collaboration, and strategic dialogue. The center will focus on identifying industry challenges and developing solutions related to policy coordination, infrastructure, service quality, development strategies, and sustainability. Its broader mission will include research, policy advocacy, industry development, capacity building, and engagement among government and private-sector stakeholders. Alam said Bangladesh has significant potential in the international tourism market, but that potential cannot be realized without coordinated action across the sector.Shahid Hamid TTDC, he said, would seek to bridge gaps among stakeholders and help develop strategies capable of positioning Bangladesh more effectively in the global tourism marketplace. Shahid Hamid, Executive Committee Member of TTDC, who also spoke at the event, described the TTDC as the first organization of its kind in Bangladesh, bringing together the interests of travel, tourism, aviation, and hospitality under a common platform. He said the center would work to create a stronger foundation for sustainable industry development and provide a space where government, businesses and other stakeholders could exchange ideas and work jointly on sectoral challenges. The launch also featured a presentation by TTDC Executive Committee Member Sadia Haque, followed by a panel discussion involving Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority; Dr. Khondaker Golam Moazzem, Research Director at the Centre for Policy Dialogue; Ahmed Yusuf Walid, President of Galaxy Group; and Ashwani Nayar, Area General Manager for IHG South West Asia and Cluster General Manager of Crowne Plaza Dhaka Airport. TTDC was formally launched through a cake-cutting ceremony following the discussions.