Tourism master plan expected to be finalised this year: BTB CEO

The long-awaited tourism master plan is expected to be finalised by the end of this year, Bangladesh Tourism Board (BTB) Chief Executive Officer Barrister Mutasim Billah Faruqui said today (8 September).

“After taking responsibility, we have prioritised ensuring the best possible services and facilities for tourists,” he made the remarks during an interaction with members of the Aviation and Tourism Journalists Forum of Bangladesh (ATJFB) at the BTB office in Agargaon, Dhaka.

“We want to move forward in line with the tourism master plan, which is expected to be finalised by this year,” he said.

The master plan has been in development for several years. A strategic tourism master plan prepared under the BTB was launched in 2019, but its implementation and final approval were delayed by bureaucratic complications, the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent administrative changes. It was later sent back for review and revision.

The government is now working on an integrated plan covering around 1,498 tourist attractions across the country, with a focus on planned, environment-friendly and sustainable tourism development.

Faruqui said the BTB would expedite projects aimed at improving tourist facilities and services.

“We have some projects to enhance tourist facilities and services. We want to implement those projects very quickly,” he said.

On attracting more foreign visitors, he said the board would work with the international community, foreign embassies and other stakeholders to promote Bangladesh as a tourism destination.

“We want to engage with the international community, embassies and other stakeholders to encourage their citizens to visit Bangladesh,” he said.

The BTB also plans to strengthen international promotion while improving facilities at tourist attractions and making travel more convenient for visitors.

ATJFB President Tanzim Anwar and other members of the organisation attended the interaction.