A new project titled “Otithi” has been launched to promote community-based and eco-friendly tourism, with special focus on environmental conservation highlighting the rich local cultures of various regions across Bangladesh.
This initiative, by engaging local communities, aims to showcase their cultural heritage, historical landmarks, and natural beauty, while contributing to the long-term development of the country's tourism sector.
“Otithi” is dedicated to promoting responsible tourism that respects local communities and their culture.
The main goal of the “Otithi” project is to bring Bangladesh’s cultural diversity to the forefront, reconnect the urban generation with their roots, and showcase the untouched natural beauty and lesser-known tourist destinations to both local and international visitors.
This announcement was made on Tuesday during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between BRAC and the Bangladesh Tourism Board (BTB) at BRAC Centre, Mohakhali, Dhaka, said a press release.
The MoU was signed by Abu Tahir Muhammad Jaber, Chief Executive Officer of BTB and Asif Saleh, Executive Director of BRAC.One of the key objectives of this MoU is to advance the country's tourism sector by promoting and developing community-based tourism in different regions across Bangladesh.
Asif Saleh, Executive Director of BRAC, highlighted Bangladesh’s abundance of tourist attractions and proposed a sustainable, eco-friendly tourism model designed to benefit both local communities and the environment. He underlined that the benefits should extend beyond tour operators. He also expressed enthusiasm for collaborating with the Bangladesh Tourism Board (BTB) and called for government support to accelerate the implementation of the "Otithi" project. Abu Tahir Muhammad Zaber, Chief Executive Officer (Additional Secretary) of the BTB, mentioned that a comprehensive tourism master plan for Bangladesh, spanning 2024 to 2040, has been developed with a strong focus on promoting community-based tourism.
He further added that, as part of the government’s initiative, this approach is currently being implemented in five key locations across the country.
