The gazette notification, issued recently regarding tour operator registration, has introduced stringent requirements that could negatively impact the sector, said tour operators .
They called upon the government to cancel new deposit requirements and address inconsistencies in the ‘Tour Operator and Tour Guide Act, 2024’, warning that these measures could harm future of the tourism industry.
The leaders of Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh (TOAB) on Wednesday made the call at a press conference at the Jatiya Press Club in the capital.
“These requirements will discourage new entrepreneurs from entering the tourism industry, and may harm the industry’s growth in near future,” said TOAB President Md. Rafeuzzaman |while addressing the press conference.
The TOAB head also demanded the removal of VAT on tour operator services to support the growth of Bangladesh's tourism industry.
Rafeuzzaman stated that the recently issued gazette regarding tour operator registration introduced stringent requirements that could negatively impact the sector.
Under the new regulations, tour operators are required to pay a registration fee of Taka 50,000, provide a bank certificate showing a status of Taka 10 lakh, and deposit Taka 3 lakh as security – conditions which Rafeuzzaman described as “unfeasible.”
The press conference was also attended by TOAB Vice Presidents Abul Kalam Azad and Md. Anwar Hossain, Immediate Past President Shiblul Azam Koreshi, and TRIAB Founder President Khabir Uddin Ahmed.
Leaders from regional tour operator associations, including Cox’s Bazar, Sundarbans, Kuakata, and Tanguar Haor, were also present.
