Experts call for coordinated policy, investment to unlock tourism potential

Dhaka: Bangladesh needs stronger policy coordination, greater private-sector investment and improved infrastructure to unlock the tourism sector’s potential, speakers said at the launch of the Travel and Tourism Development Centre (TTDC) in the capital on August 8.

The national platform, aimed at promoting sustainable growth in tourism, hospitality and aviation through public-private collaboration, was formally launched at Hotel InterContinental Dhaka.

Speaking at a panel discussion following the launch, Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, executive chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), said Bangladesh needs a stronger global tourism brand.

He said the government has allocated funds for tourism promotion and recently discussed tourism strategies with the prime minister. A global firm will be selected to develop a tourism branding strategy for Bangladesh, he added.

Dr. Khondaker Golam Moazzem, research director at the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), said the government needs to move from policy formulation to implementation.

He noted that tourism involves around 18 ministries and called for greater coordination among them. Opening e-visas for tourists and simplifying business visa procedures should be priorities, he said.

Moazzem also called for reducing VAT on tourism businesses and said better tax compliance could create room for tax incentives.

Ashwani Nayar, area general manager of IHG Southwest Asia and cluster general manager of Crowne Plaza Dhaka Airport and InterContinental Dhaka Airport, said tourism contributes around 10 percent of global GDP, while Bangladesh’s contribution is only about 3 percent.

He said Dhaka could face a shortage of hotel rooms once the country’s third terminal becomes fully operational. Bangladesh needs around 7,000 additional hotel rooms in Dhaka, alongside more midscale, budget and upscale properties, he said.

Ahmed Yusuf Walid, president of Galaxy Group, urged the government to offer incentives to airlines and hotels similar to those provided to export-oriented industries.

He also highlighted shortages of skilled workers in aviation and hospitality, calling for more training institutions and internationally recognized aviation and hotel-management programs.

Speakers also stressed the importance of developing domestic tourism, attracting foreign investment and building stronger links between tourism, aviation and hospitality to make Bangladesh a more competitive destination.