The
World Tourism Day was celebrated across the country as elsewhere in the world
with the call for greater cooperation between public and private sectors to
seize the vast potential of Bangladesh’s tourism industry.
The
celebration started through bringing out a colorful procession in the capital’s
Agargaon area by Civil Aviation and Tourism ministry along with its line
organizations, tourist police, tourism related private bodies and trade
associations.
The
Day was celebrated with the United Nations’ theme for this year: ‘Tourism and
Peace’ which was translated into Bengali as ‘Porjoton Shantir Sopaan’ (Tourism:
A Step Towards Peace).
Secretary
to the Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry Nasreen Jahan inaugurated the
procession. The processionists were seen bearing colorful placards, balloons
and a band inscribing various slogans promoting tourism industry in the
country.
Later,
an engaging seminar was held at the ‘Shail Propat’ hall at the Parjatan Bhaban
highlighting the significance of the day.
Senior
Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration Dr. Md. Mokhlesur Rahman
presented the keynote speech highlighted Bangladesh’s immense potential in the
tourism sector.
He
said despite huge opportunities, Bangladesh as a country has yet to fully
capitalize on its untapped potential of the tourism sector.
He
called for an integrated approach and heightened efforts to promote both
domestic and international tourism.
He
also stressed the need for skilled human resources to support the industry’s
growth.
Civil
Aviation and Tourism secretary Jahan in her speech as the chief guest
underscored the crucial role tourism plays in economic development, poverty
alleviation, job creation and improving the country’s global image.
She
urged private entrepreneurs to join forces with the government to make
Bangladesh one of Asia’s premier tourist destinations.
Presided
over by Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation Chairman AKM Aftab Hossain Pramanik,
the seminar was also addressed by Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh
chairman Air Vice-Marshal Md Monjur Kabir Bhuiyan, Bangladesh Tourism Board CEO
Abu Taher Muhammad Jaber and Deputy
Inspector General (DIG) of the Tourist Police Md Abu Kalam Siddique, among
others.
Meanwhile,
President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Chief Advisor Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus
have issued separate messages on the eve of the day yesterday while special
supplements were published in national dailies.
Special
discounts are also announced by hotels, motels, and restaurants on this
occasion while Biman Bangladesh Airlines offered Special ticket with discounted
fare.
The
Bangladesh Tourism Corporation organized a live cooking show.
Painting
and essay competitions were arranged for children at tourism centers in each
district to raise awareness about tourism.
Since
1980, the UN’s tourism body has proclaimed this day, which has been celebrated
with due reverence in member countries worldwide.