The government is working to develop the tourism industry to international standards. A master plan is being prepared for the sustainable development of tourism in the country.
Around 20 million tourists have traveled several tourist spots in the country despite coronavirus pandemic. There is a huge potential of employment as this industry has created jobs for about four million people so far in the country.
State minister for civil aviation and tourism Md. Mahbub Ali came up with the assertion while addressing a discussion on World Tourism Day organized by Bangladesh Tourism Board at Parjatan Bhaban in Agargaon on Monday. Earlier, the state minister inaugurated a cooking show and a rally marking World Tourism Day.
In 2019, the contribution of the tourism sector to the national income of the country was Tk 950.07 billion which is 4.30 percent of GDP. In the future, it will be 6 percent, he expressed hope.
State Minister Mahbub Ali also said, “The number of tourist destinations in the country is increasing as the living standard of the people has improved. The tourism industry needs a lot of manpower. So far, plenty of jobs have been created in the country’s tourism sector. Three new tourist parks are being set up in Cox's Bazar which will create 40,000 more employment opportunities.”
He also said, “Development work is underway in the tourist spots to increase the role of tourism industry in the national economy. We are also working to ensure that tourism can play a vital role in the development of rural and marginalized people. This industry is increasing the employment opportunities at the marginal level of the country too.”
“People from different parts of the world are now showing interest to visit our country. We have to utilize this opportunity and move forward with great hospitality,” he added.
Civil Aviation and Tourism Secretary Mokammel Hossain presided over the event. A good number of ministry officials, prominent people were also present in it.
