বুধবার, ৩০ সেপ্টেম্বর ২০২৬, ০৬:৫৯ অপরাহ্ন
IDHAKA, Sept 30, 2026 (BSS) – British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke has expressed the United Kingdom’s interest in boosting Bangladesh’s tourism and hospitality sector through increased investment, stronger commercial partnerships and international expertise.
“The UK wants to play its part to boost tourism here by encouraging investment, strengthening commercial partnerships and bringing together businesses and institutions that can create lasting economic value for both countries,” she said.
Cooke was addressing a reception hosted by the British High Commission in Dhaka to mark World Tourism Day 2026 and explore opportunities for increased investment in Bangladesh’s tourism and hospitality sector.
Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M. Rashiduzzaman Millat attended the event as the chief guest, while representatives from government, business, aviation, tourism and hospitality sectors joined the reception.
The event, supported by Mana Bay and InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), highlighted British investment and expertise in Bangladesh and opportunities for expanding bilateral commercial cooperation.
Cooke said tourism and hospitality should be recognised as an important part of Bangladesh’s future growth story alongside manufacturing, infrastructure and financial services.
“Bangladesh has enormous tourism potential,” she said, referring to the country’s rich culture, heritage, natural beauty, cuisine and hospitality.
Drawing on her travels across Bangladesh, the High Commissioner highlighted the tea gardens and natural beauty of Sylhet, Cox’s Bazar and the country’s heritage attractions as examples of its potential to draw international visitors.
She said tourism globally creates employment, attracts foreign investment, supports small businesses, stimulates infrastructure development and strengthens a country’s international profile.
Cooke particularly underscored the close relationship between tourism and aviation, saying a visitor’s experience begins well before reaching a hotel, resort or tourist destination.
“It begins when they book a flight, arrive at an airport, pass through immigration and experience the country for the very first time,” she said.
In this context, she said investment in Dhaka airport’s Third Terminal has the potential to significantly improve passenger experience and strengthen Bangladesh’s position as an increasingly connected international destination.
According to the British High Commission, more than US$250 million has been invested in developing Mana Bay, which includes the Mana Bay Water Park and the recently soft-launched 95-room Mana Bay Resort.
Mana Bay Managing Director Sasheen Hasan said the investment reflected confidence in Bangladesh’s future and the potential of its tourism and hospitality sector.
IHG Area General Manager for Southwest Asia Ashwani Nayar said the UK-headquartered hospitality group sees significant potential in strengthening tourism connections between Bangladesh and the UK.
He said IHG’s decision to establish its Southwest Asia Area Office in Bangladesh reflected confidence in the market and its commitment to long-term partnerships.
Cooke said achieving Bangladesh’s tourism ambitions would require not only infrastructure investment but also international partnerships bringing expertise, technology and skills.
“We see great opportunity for deeper collaboration across tourism, hospitality and aviation in the years ahead,” she said.
The High Commissioner said the UK would continue supporting Bangladesh’s economic development and international connectivity through investment, commercial partnerships and UK Export Finance.
