Bangladesh's online travel market shifts toward all-in-one digital services

Dhaka : Bangladesh's online travel market is entering a more competitive phase as travelers increasingly turn to digital platforms to compare fares, plan trips and manage bookings, according to AKM Mahfuzul Alam, Chief Operating Officer of online travel platform Firsttrip.

Alam said growing consumer familiarity with online booking is changing how Bangla-deshis purchase flights, hotels and other travel services. Travelers are increasingly looking for competitive prices, transparent information and quick customer support, while also expecting to handle ticketing, date changes and refunds digitally.

"The Bangladesh online travel market is growing as more people are becoming comfortable with booking travel online," Alam mentioned.

He said online travel agencies (OTAs) are also expanding beyond flight and hotel bookings by offering services such as visa assistance, airport transfers, lounge access and eSIMs, creating a more comprehensive digital travel experience.

Mobile phones and digital payments are playing a key role in this shift. Travelers now commonly compare prices, schedules and available options online before making purchase decisions, making the booking process faster and more convenient than in the past.

AKM Mahfuzul Alam

International travel remains a major source of demand for Firsttrip. Destinations including Colombo, Male, Kathmandu, Pokhara, Bali, Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Jeddah, Dubai, Istanbul, London, New York, Toronto, Tokyo and Sydney continue to attract Bangladeshi travelers. Domestic tourism also remains an important part of the market.

According to Alam, demand is being driven by several travel purposes, including visiting friends and relatives, business trips, holidays and religious travel.

However, rising airfares and other travel costs are making consumers more cautious. Rather than abandoning travel altogether, many customers are comparing more options and adjusting when they travel. Off-season trips, weekday departures and destinations offering better overall value are becoming more attractive, particularly when supported by promotional campaigns.

The changing consumer behavior is also intensifying competition among Bangladesh's OTAs. Alam added Firsttrip is seeking to differentiate itself through competitive pricing, a broad selection of travel products and round-the-clock customer service.

Technology is expected to become an increasingly important competitive factor. Alam claimed artificial intelligence could play a larger role in understanding traveler preferences, improving travel search, speeding up customer support and generating more relevant recommendations.

At the same time, he does not expect digital platforms to completely displace traditional travel agencies.

For complex or highly personalized travel arrangements, conventional agencies will continue to have a role, Alam further mentioned. Instead, he expects online and offline travel businesses to increasingly work together, with technology helping traditional agencies improve their services.

Beyond outbound travel, Alam sees significant potential for Bangladesh to develop its inbound tourism market. He said improved connectivity, simpler travel procedures, stronger tourism infrastructure and greater international promotion would be necessary to attract more foreign visitors.

Looking ahead, Firsttrip plans to strengthen its position as a broader travel platform serving both consumers and travel partners. The company intends to expand its product portfolio, improve its technology and explore opportunities across different parts of the travel ecosystem over the next three to five years.

The developments point to a wider shift in Bangladesh's travel industry, where convenience, digital services and value are becoming increasingly important to consumers while traditional travel expertise continues to retain a role in a rapidly evolving market.