Comparing Bangladesh’s tourism industry with those of Singapore, Sri Lanka, Nepal and India, she said these countries had developed their tourism sectors more professionally and made tourism a significant contributor to their national economies.
Civil Aviation and Tourism Secretary Nurun Nahar Chowdhury speaks at a programme on career and employment opportunities in the tourism and hospitality industry in Dhaka. Photo: TBS
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Civil Aviation and Tourism Secretary Nurun Nahar Chowdhury speaks at a programme on career and employment opportunities in the tourism and hospitality industry in Dhaka. Photo: TBS
Bangladesh must address gaps in tourism infrastructure, policy support and service quality to compete with neighbouring countries and unlock the sector’s economic potential, Civil Aviation and Tourism Secretary Nurun Nahar Chowdhury said today (12 November).
Comparing Bangladesh’s tourism industry with those of Singapore, Sri Lanka, Nepal and India, she said these countries had developed their tourism sectors more professionally and made tourism a significant contributor to their national economies.
“Why have they succeeded while we have not? We have resources. What we lack is support in infrastructure and policy, as well as professionalism among service providers,” she said.
Nurun Nahar made the remarks as the chief guest at a programme titled “Unlocking Careers and Employment Opportunities for Tourism and Hospitality Management (THM) Students/Graduates in Tourism Industry” at a hotel in Dhaka.
She stressed that natural attractions and physical infrastructure alone could not ensure the sector’s success. Bangladesh also needs quality services, hospitality, security and other facilities that visitors expect.
“Success actually comes from services. If tourists do not receive the expected service and hospitality, they will not return. They may visit once and never come back,” Nurun Nahar said.
She added that positive visitor experiences could encourage tourists to recommend Bangladesh to others. Such word-of-mouth promotion could help the country attract more visitors.
Nurun Nahar also highlighted the gap between academic education and industry requirements. She said tourism graduates must develop practical skills that meet employers’ expectations.
She noted that 23 universities in Bangladesh offer higher education in tourism and hospitality management. She called for stronger coordination among universities, employers, industry professionals and policymakers to expand employment opportunities for graduates.
She said the initiative marked a shift from traditional career choices. She added that tourism and hospitality could become major contributors to the national economy.
Alexius Chicham, national programme officer of the International Labour Organization (ILO), attended the programme as a special guest. Barrister Mutasim Billah Faruqui, chief executive officer of the Bangladesh Tourism Board (BTB), chaired the session.
Former BTB CEO Dr Jabed Ahmed delivered the welcome address.
The BTB organised the programme in collaboration with the ILO under its ProGRESS project. It aimed to connect tourism and hospitality management students and graduates with employers and industry professionals.
Representatives from universities and businesses discussed career opportunities, industry requirements and the skills needed to work in hotels, airlines, the MICE sector, shipbuilding and other tourism-related industries.
The secretary urged the organisers to compile the recommendations made at the programme and take them forward. She assured them of government support in policy, financial and other areas.
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