Travel agencies need stronger regulation, fair access to airfares

Dhaka : Bangladesh's travel agency sector needs clearer government guidelines, stronger monitoring and a more level playing field with online travel platforms, according to Md Mozaffar Hossain, proprietor of MK Air International Travels and Tourism.

Talking to The Bangladesh Monitor, Hossain, who has been in the travel business since 2008, said traditional agencies continue to face misconceptions about their role, while changing airline distribution systems and competition from online travel agencies (OTAs) are creating additional pressure.

MK Air provides air ticketing, visa consultancy, Hajj and Umrah services, hotel reservations and tour packages.

The agency handles both outbound and inbound travel, with inbound services covering destinations including Bandarban, Kuakata, Saint Martin and Cox's Bazar.

However, Hossain said much of the inbound business currently comes from non-resident Bangladeshis and their families rather than foreign tourists.

He wants to expand that segment and promote Bangladesh more actively to international travelers.

"We provide service with great care and support to customers," Hossain said.

He also added that his approach includes understanding travelers' preferences, health concerns and potential risks at destinations.

He said the agency also tries to create additional value through customized itineraries.

For example, travelers booking a Dhaka-Kuala Lumpur trip may receive an itinerary that includes an additional destination such as Bangkok or Sri Lanka without significantly increasing the overall cost.

Hossain said the sector has changed considerably over the years. However, some misconceptions remain, including the belief that travel agencies are involved in manpower recruitment.

He also raised concerns about alleged ticketing syndicates and restricted access to airline fares.

According to him, some OTAs can offer NDC-based fares that are not visible through traditional GDS channels, putting conventional agencies at a disadvantage.

He also questioned the difficulty agencies face in selling tickets for local carriers.

"To sell my own country's airline's tickets, I need to give bank guarantee, lobbying separately etc.," he said.

Hossain urged authorities to pay greater attention to tourism development, including reopening and properly managing destinations such as Saint Martin and the Sundarbans.

He said tourism-site workers should receive training to improve visitor services and safety.

He also called for simpler travel arrangements for migrant workers, particularly lower airfares to Middle Eastern destinations.

Looking ahead, Hossain said his priority is to expand MK Air's inbound operations and showcase Bangladesh to a wider international audience.

"I do outbound, but in future I want to focus more on inbound to show the world my country," he said.

Bangladesh has plenty of potential for inbound tourism. The sector only requires more attention from the government, including training and awareness in the spots.