Registration for tour operators, guides to be mandatory

Dhaka: With a view to bringing discipline to the business of tour operators in the country, the government has approved a draft law. Registration has been made compulsory for tour operators and guides under the provisions of the law.
Recently, the cabinet approved a draft law called Bangladesh Tour Operator and Guide (Registration and operation) Law 2021.
After the meeting, the Cabinet Secretary said that a Tourism Authority will be established to bring tour operators under registration. To expand the tourism industry through earning of tourist's confidence, this law is being made, he said and added, there will be the provision of punishment for violation of the law.
All those who are now engaged in tour operation business will be brought under registration under the law.
New law for BD travel agencies with provisions for expansion, penalty
The parliament has approved an amendment to the existing law to allow travel agencies to shift their ownership and open branches at home and abroad. Provision for punishment has also been added.
State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism Md Mahbub Ali tabled the Bangladesh Travel Agency (Registration and Control amendment) Bill 2020 which was approved. The state minister initially presented the bill on September 7, it was forwarded to the parliamentary standing committee on the civil aviation and tourism ministry for scrutiny.
The bill paved the way for the travel agencies in Bangladesh to open their branches at home and abroad after getting approval from the government.
The existing law does not have an option to impose a fine on a travel agency but can revoke its registration or halt its business. The amended law will enable the authorities to impose a fine on them.
The amended law has a provision for six months in jail, a BDT 5,00,000 fine, or both for the delinquent agencies. The Penal Code will be applicable to such cases, according to the new law.