New council formed to coordinate tourism sector expansion

The government has formed a National Tourism Council to ensure sustainable and coordinated development of the country’s tourism sector.

The Cabinet Division issued a gazette notification in this regard recently.

The 16-member council, headed by the prime minister, includes ministers of local government, finance, planning, home, foreign affairs, environment, cultural affairs, land, civil aviation and tourism, commerce, water resources, Chattogram Hill Tracts affairs, and shipping.

The state minister for civil aviation and tourism will also serve as a member, while the ministry’s secretary will act as member-secretary.

According to the notification, the council will supervise, coordinate and provide policy direction for implementing tourism development plans.

It will also advise on expanding the sector at national, regional and international levels.

The body will formulate policies related to tourism laws and administration, determine strategies to attract domestic and foreign investment, and strengthen coordination among relevant ministries.

It will also guide public-private partnerships in the sector.

The council will review and approve recommendations from other tourism-related committees and monitor progress on election pledges related to tourism.

It will have the authority to take decisions on important matters when necessary.

The notification said meetings will be held as required, and new members may be co-opted if needed. The Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism will provide administrative support.