The three-day 12th Asian Tourism Fair began in Dhaka on Thursday with the participation of local and international travel organisers.

Civil Aviation and Tourism Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin inaugurated the fair at the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB).

The event, organised by travel magazine and online platform Parjatan Bichitra, is being held to celebrate World Tourism Day and ahead of the upcoming winter tourism season. 

It is supported by the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation, Bangladesh Tourism Board, and Tourist Police Bangladesh.

The fair brings together local and international government agencies, tour operators, travel agents, hotels, resorts, airlines, cruise operators, and other tourism-related businesses. 

Along with 180 stalls showcasing products and services, several foreign embassies and missions are also participating.

Gopal Sreshtha, sales manager of Nepal’s Columbus Travel & Tours (P) Ltd, said their main goal is to attract Bangladeshi tourists to Nepal.

“Ahead of the upcoming tourism season, we want to assure Bangladeshi holidaymakers that we are ready to host them in a safe and secure environment. We have introduced some affordable packages, especially for people who love hills and trekking,” he said.

Local agencies are also highlighting their offers. Sabiha Anzum, a representative of travel agency Own the World, said they aim to provide a “360-degree solution” for travelers.

“Apart from arranging group tours and offering inbound and outbound tour packages, we also handle air ticketing, visa processing, and hotel reservations,” she said.

Anzum added, “Currently, we are offering 7% discount on air tickets, 40% discount on visa processing, and 15% discount on our own resorts, and people are really appreciating it.” 

Parjatan Bichitra Editor Mohiuddin Helal said this year’s fair will feature travel packages, discount offers, raffle draws, B2B sessions, and more.

“There will also be children’s art competitions, destination and service presentations, panel discussions, and seminars. Cultural programmes will be organised by the embassies of Bangladesh and the Philippines,” he said.

He added that the Bangladesh Tourism Investment Showcase will also be held, highlighting upcoming projects in the tourism sector and opportunities for local investment.

The entry fee for visitors is Tk30, but those who register online can enter free of charge. Based on entry coupons, a raffle draw will offer attractive gift vouchers, including airline tickets.

The fair, open daily from 10am to 7pm, will run until Saturday (20 September). 

Biman Bangladesh Airlines is the title sponsor, Crown Plaza Dhaka Gulshan is the hospitality partner, while Nepal is the prime partner country, and the Philippines and Maldives are the partner countries.