Tourism a key driver of jobs, investment

Bangladesh should harness tourism as a major driver of employment, investment and inclusive economic development by expanding infrastructure, developing skilled workers and attracting greater private-sector investment, said Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation Chairman Md Samimuzzaman.
“Tourism is no longer merely a matter of leisure or entertainment. It is now a powerful driver of employment, investment, foreign exchange, entrepreneurship, regional development and inclusive economic growth,” he said.
Samimuzzaman made the remarks at a press conference on Monday ahead of the 13th Asian Tourism Fair (ATF) 2026, to be held at International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB) in Dhaka from 17 to 19 September. Md Mohiuddin Helal, editor of Parjatan Bichitra and chairman of the Asian Tourism Fair, also briefed the media on the fair.
Samimuzzaman said Bangladesh had significant scope to make tourism a stronger growth centre through quality infrastructure, skilled human resources, digital promotion and public-private investment.
Tourism contributed 2.9% to Bangladesh’s GDP in 2024 and accounted for 4.2% of total employment, according to figures cited by him. The government aims to raise the sector’s GDP contribution to 8%-9% in the coming years by improving infrastructure and encouraging private investment.
“Tourism for jobs, tourism for investment and tourism for inclusive development should be our goal,” he said, adding that the sector could create significant opportunities for young people, women and local communities. Its employment multiplier effect also benefits transport operators, hotels, restaurants, tour operators, travel agencies, local guides, handicraft producers, farmers, entertainment providers and small entrepreneurs.
Infrastructure and skills
Samimuzzaman said the corporation was developing tourism facilities at key destinations across the country. A 154-room motel has recently been developed and brought into operation in Chattogram, while land development and acquisition have been completed for a five-storey hotel and training institute in Bagerhat and Khulna.
A tourism centre at Parki in Chattogram is expected to begin commercial operations soon, while projects are planned for Nijhum Dwip in Noakhali, Panchagarh, Joypurhat and Tangail.
The corporation is also seeking foreign investment through public-private partnerships to develop the Hotel Shaibal area in Cox’s Bazar, including a quality hotel and an international-standard training institute.
He stressed the need for skilled and professional workers, saying BPC’s National Skills Training Institute currently offers courses in 11 areas, with three more planned.
“World-class tourism destinations require world-class tourism professionals,” he said.
Digital and sustainable tourism
Samimuzzaman said Parjatan Corp was modernising its promotional activities through digital platforms, social media and online content to reach international tourists.
“We want to present Bangladesh to the world as an authentic, sustainable and experience-rich destination,” he said.
He called for greater development of quality hotels and resorts, eco-tourism, adventure, heritage, sports, wellness and medical tourism facilities.
Bangladesh has around 1,498 tourism destinations, featuring hills, rivers, haors, forests, wetlands, archaeological sites, religious heritage, folk culture, food and festivals. “These should be developed into integrated tourism products,” he said.
Asian Tourism Fair from Thursday
The three-day 13th Asian Tourism Fair (ATF) 2026 will bring together more than 200 organisations from 10 countries, including Bangladesh, across around 300 booths in three halls at ICCB.
Hotels, resorts, tour operators, travel agencies, airlines, government and private tourism organisations, foreign embassies and missions will showcase tourism products, services and special offers.
The fair will feature the Destination Bangladesh Showcase, International Tourism Showcase and Bangladesh Tourism Investment Showcase, alongside B2B sessions, seminars, destination presentations, panel discussions, product promotions and networking opportunities.
Cultural performances from Bangladesh, Nepal and the Philippines will be held every evening.
The event is being organised with the endorsement of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, with the overall support and participation of Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation and Bangladesh Tourism Board.
The fair will remain open from 10am to 7pm daily from 17 to 19 September. Entry costs Tk30, with visitors eligible to participate in a raffle offering prizes and gift vouchers, including complimentary air tickets.
Md Mohiuddin Helal said the fair would focus on regional and community-based tourism, including haor, Sundarbans, river, adventure and eco-tourism, while creating 
opportunities for women entrepreneurs and tourism businesses.