Dhaka : From a modest travel agency in 2012 to a limited company in 2024, GTech Aviation Ltd has steadily grown its footprint in Bangladesh's aviation and tourism industry. Now, the company is setting its sights higher, both in aviation services and in promoting unique international destinations - with Bhutan leading the way.

"We are bettering our services to international standards and expanding overseas. At the same time, our purpose is to regain people's trust in this industry," said Md Tanveer Ahmed, Managing Director of GTech Aviation Ltd, in an exclusive interview with The Bangladesh Monitor.

Aviation expansion on horizon

GTech has already secured certification from the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB), making it eligible to act as a General Sales Agent (GSA) for any international airline. "We want to be a GSA soon. We have also submitted tenders for operating lounges, travel agency offices, and services like meet-and-greet at the Third Terminal of Dhaka Airport," Tanveer said.

The company currently offers ticketing, visa processing, and tours - both inbound and outbound - across all countries.

Exclusive partnership with Bhutan

In 2024, GTech Aviation became the sole agent in Bangladesh for Bhutan Tourism Corporation Ltd (BTCL). Since then, it has worked to clear misconceptions about traveling to Bhutan and build awareness among Bangladeshi travelers.

"Bhutan is visa-on-arrival for Bangladeshis, and the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) is only USD 15 per night - compared to USD 100 for most other nationalities. This makes Bhutan an affordable and unexplored bucket-list destination for Bangladeshis, especially now when many Asian and Middle Eastern countries have restricted visas for Bangladeshi travelers," Tanveer explained.

Md Tanveer Ahmed, MD, GTech Aviation Ltd

Bhutan requires licensed guides for travel outside Thimphu and Paro, ensuring tourists engage meaningfully with local culture while protecting the environment. "It's serene, pollution-free, and committed to preserving its heritage. That's why Bhutan has restrictions on overcrowding," he added.

Rising Bangladeshi interest in Bhutan

Drukair, Bhutan's national carrier, operates two weekly flights between Dhaka and Paro. With growing demand, the airline has upgraded from a 40-seat ATR to a 108-seat Airbus.

The number of Bangladeshi visitors has steadily risen:

• 2022: 3,800 tourists

• 2023: 4,200 tourists

• 2024: 4,800 tourists

• 2025 (till date): over 3,000 tourists

"Most of our travelers are doctors, lecturers, professors, and retired army families. Bhutan appeals to those looking for a cultural, eco-friendly, and unique experience," Tanveer said.

Bhutan's unique appeal

Nestled in the Himalayas with a population of only 750,000, Bhutan remains a hidden gem. The country boasts:

• A pleasant climate year-round - with summer temperatures rarely crossing 22°C.

• No air conditioning or fans needed in homes.

• Fresh, organic food and a mosquito-free environment.

• Carbon-negative status, making it the only country in the world that absorbs more carbon than it emits.

• Stunning mountain roads, heritage-rich cities, and ancient forests with trees hundreds of years old.

"It's a completely different experience. Bhutan has no high-rises, no congestion, and its beauty cannot be captured on camera. It's just 50 minutes away by flight, yet it feels like another world," Tanveer described.

As the exclusive agent of BTCL, GTech Aviation has full authority to manage Bhutan travel services in Bangladesh. "If you want to book hotels, transport, or licensed guides under Bhutan Tourism Corporation, you have to come through us. We've created the market for Bhutan in Bangladesh," Tanveer emphasized.