বৃহস্পতিবার, ২৯ অক্টোবর ২০২৬, ০৭:৩১ অপরাহ্ন
DHAKA, Oct 29, 2026 (BSS) – Tourism stakeholders from 16 countries, including Bangladesh, are participating in the three-day Bangladesh Travel and Tourism Fair (BTTF) 2026, which began in the capital today to promote tourism, strengthen international partnerships and expand business opportunities.
Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry Secretary Dr Nurun Nahar Chowdhury inaugurated the 14th edition of the fair as the chief guest at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre (BCFCC) in Agargaon.
Organised by the Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh (TOAB), the exhibition is being held under the theme “AI-Powered Tourism, Sustainable Destination”.
Alongside host Bangladesh, the participating countries are Malaysia, Pakistan, the Philippines, Nepal, India, Singapore, the Maldives, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, China, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Brunei, Saudi Arabia and Azerbaijan.
Malaysia, Pakistan, the Philippines and Nepal are participating as partner countries.
Pakistan High Commissioner Imran Haider, Nepalese Ambassador Ghanshyam Bhandari and Philippine Ambassador Nina P. Coinolet also spoke at the inaugural ceremony.
Addressing the event, Nurun Nahar Chowdhury highlighted the importance of technological innovation, environmental sustainability and international cooperation in developing Bangladesh’s tourism industry.
“Bangladesh’s tourism sector is entering a new era through the integration of modern technology and artificial intelligence,” she said.
The secretary said international platforms like BTTF played a significant role in promoting Bangladesh’s tourism potential globally while encouraging environmentally responsible tourism practices.
She called for coordinated efforts among the government, the private sector and other stakeholders to strengthen Bangladesh’s position in the competitive global tourism market.
“To take Bangladesh’s tourism sector forward, we must all work together,” she added.
The exhibition, which will continue until October 31, brings together tour operators, airlines, hotels, travel service providers and industry professionals, offering opportunities for networking, investment and business partnerships.
According to the organisers, the fair features more than 200 booths and stalls, over 220 exhibitors, more than 250 qualified buyers and upwards of 2,500 trade visitors.
More than 60,000 visitors are expected to attend the fair over the three days.
The exhibition spans four thematic halls, providing a business-to-business platform for domestic and international tourism stakeholders.
TOAB President Mohammed Hanif said the fair had emerged as one of South Asia’s prominent tourism platforms following 13 successful editions.
He said BTTF 2026 would showcase Bangladesh’s diverse tourism attractions to international audiences while strengthening commercial relationships between local operators and their overseas counterparts.
“This fair will showcase domestic tourism to the world in a relevant and contemporary manner, while playing a crucial role in strengthening our business relationships with international stakeholders and creating new commercial opportunities,” he said.
The organisers said this year’s exhibition emphasises the application of artificial intelligence and digital technologies in tourism services, alongside sustainable destinations and environmentally responsible travel.
National Skills Development Authority (NSDA) Executive Chairman Dr Nazneen Kawshar Chowdhury attended the event as the special guest.
US-Bangla Airlines is the title sponsor, while Biman Bangladesh Airlines is the airline partner.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, the NSDA, Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation, the Bangladesh Tourism Board, Bangladesh Tourist Police and the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry are supporting the event.
The fair will remain open to visitors daily from 11 am to 8 pm.
