Bangladesh targets tourism expansion through AI, digital transformation

Dhaka: Bangladesh has outlined plans to expand its tourism industry through digital transformation, artificial intelligence, improved infrastructure and greater international connectivity.

The plans were discussed at a World Tourism Day 2026 program held October 3 at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Center in Dhaka. The event focused on “Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence: The Future of Tourism.”

Speaking as the chief guest M. Rashiduzzaman Millat said a national tourism committee, chaired by the prime minister, has been formed to consider stakeholder proposals. He added Cox’s Bazar would be developed as a tourism hub, direct international flights are planned, and international operations are expected from the first week of November. River, water-based, cultural, heritage and event tourism will also receive greater attention.

MoCAT Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat addressing the occasion

Bangladesh Tourism Board CEO Barrister Mutasim Billah Farooqi delivered the welcome address, saying, preparations for a national tourism master plan are underway, alongside work on tourism policy and identification of potential destinations. The government aims to raise tourism’s contribution to GDP from around 3% to 7%.

Farooqi said 586,000 international visitors entered Bangladesh last year. Increasing arrivals and employment will require better facilities, infrastructure, international tourism fair participation, easier visa procedures and global promotion of Bangladesh, he said.

Tourist Police Additional IGP GM Azizur Rahman also spoke on the occasion. He said the force now operates in 32 districts and 130 tourist locations, where it has served more than 60 million domestic and 10,000 international visitors. He called for specialized tourism training.

While addressing the event, Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation Chairman Md. Shamimuzzaman further mentioned 60 projects worth Tk19,000 crore have been proposed, with efforts underway to attract private and foreign investment through PPP arrangements.

Tourism Secretary Fahmida Akhter urged public-private cooperation would be essential, while work continues on visa policy, travel agency regulations and a Tourism Satellite Account.

The event concluded with awards recognizing 16 tourism professionals and organizations, followed by a cultural program. Awardees included InterContinental Dhaka as the best five star hotel, Hotel Agrabad as the best four star hotel, Hansa–A Premium Residence as the best three star hotel, The Bengal Tours Limited as the best inbound tour operator, ShareTrip as the best domestic tour operator, BD Tickets as the best tourism technology initiative, Fantasy Kingdom Complex as the best amusement park, Charubala Homestay and Tours as the best homestay, Savor International as the best MICE initiative, MV Malangi as the best tour vessel, Bangladesh Eco Adventures as the best young tourism entrepreneur, Nurani Sharmin Afroz as the best women tourism entrepreneur, Sarowar Jahan as the best tour guide, Naym Abir as the best tourism journalist, and Salauddin Sumon as the best tourism content creator.