UK wants to play its part to boost tourism in Bangladesh

British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke said Bangladesh has enormous tourism potential and that the United Kingdom wants to play its part in boosting tourism in the country.

“The UK wants to play its part in boosting tourism here by encouraging investment, strengthening commercial partnerships and bringing together businesses and institutions that can create lasting economic value for both countries,” she said while speaking at a reception.

During her time in Bangladesh, the high commissioner said she had travelled across the country and experienced first-hand its rich culture, heritage, natural beauty and hospitality.

To mark World Tourism Day 2026, the British High Commission in Dhaka hosted the reception on Tuesday evening to explore opportunities for increased investment in Bangladesh’s tourism and hospitality sector.

Supported by Mana Bay and InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), the event highlighted the UK’s commitment to supporting Bangladesh’s economic growth through trade, investment and business partnerships, while encouraging dialogue on practical steps to strengthen the country’s tourism sector and attract further international investment.

The reception was attended by Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat, along with representatives from the government, business, aviation, tourism and hospitality sectors.

The reception showcased examples of long-term investor confidence in Bangladesh, including the story of Mana Bay, a British-backed investment in the country’s tourism and hospitality sector.

Building on a family business legacy that began more than two decades ago in Bangladesh’s textile industry, the group has expanded into tourism and hospitality with a long-term vision for the sector.

With more than $250 million invested in its development, Mana Bay has introduced one of Bangladesh’s largest integrated tourism destinations, including the successful Mana Bay Water Park and the recently soft-launched 95-room Mana Bay Resort.

Sasheen Hasan, managing director of Mana Bay, said, “Our family’s journey in Bangladesh began by creating world-class products for global markets. Today, we are proud to help create world-class experiences in Bangladesh. Our investment reflects our confidence in the country’s future and in the enormous potential of its tourism and hospitality sector.”

Ashwani Nayar, area general manager, Southwest Asia, IHG, and cluster general manager of InterContinental Dhaka and Crowne Plaza Dhaka Airport, said that as a UK-headquartered global hospitality company, IHG sees significant potential in strengthening tourism connections between the UK and Bangladesh.

“Our decision to establish our Southwest Asia Area Office in Bangladesh, together with our recent strategic engagement with the Chair and Board of UKBTAA, reflects our confidence in the market and our commitment to building partnerships that create mutual value for both countries,” he said.

“As the largest international hotel operator in Bangladesh, and with the recent addition of Crowne Plaza Dhaka Airport and the upcoming InterContinental Dhaka Airport at United Terminal, we believe IHG is uniquely positioned to help drive the next chapter of Bangladesh’s tourism and hospitality growth, within an emerging ecosystem anchored by the new Airport Third Terminal,” Nayar said.

Bangladesh has much to offer visitors, from its rich culture and heritage to its unique natural beauty and diverse culinary traditions, the British High Commission in Dhaka said.

Unlocking this potential can help drive economic growth, create jobs and generate opportunities for communities across the country.