Govt rolls out mega tourism plan with Cox's Bazar at the centre

Highlights:

• Cox's Bazar to get global-standard facilities under PPP
• International hotels planned in key destinations
• 101 tour guides trained
• Govt targets tech-driven tourism growth

The government is preparing a comprehensive tourism master plan to transform the country's tourism sector into a major driver of economic growth, employment generation and poverty reduction, with Cox's Bazar receiving special focus.

As part of the initiative, the government has planned international-standard hotel projects in Cox's Bazar, Sylhet and Khulna, a modern tourism training institute in Cox's Bazar, and large-scale infrastructure development across the country.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman disclosed the plans today (15 July) in parliament while responding to a question from Cox's Bazar-3 lawmaker Lutfor Rahman. The session was chaired by Deputy Speaker Kayser Kamal.

The prime minister said the government has identified tourism as a key sector for achieving economic prosperity, creating employment opportunities and reducing poverty.

"To make tourism sustainable and integrate it into the mainstream economy, the government has taken the initiative to formulate a comprehensive and long-term tourism master plan," he said.

Based on the master plan, priority projects will be implemented in phases, while work is also underway to update the national tourism policy in line with global trends.

The Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation (BPC) is working to modernise tourism infrastructure, expand facilities and identify new tourist destinations across the country, he added.

Cox's Bazar development gets priority

To turn Cox's Bazar into a world-class tourism destination, the government has initiated plans to develop international-standard tourism facilities on 132.44 acres of BPC-owned land under the public-private partnership (PPP) model.

A modern tourism training institute is also being constructed at Motel Laboni compound in Cox's Bazar to create skilled professionals for the hospitality sector.

The government is also advancing plans to construct international-standard hotels and tourism facilities on BPC-owned land in Cox's Bazar, Sylhet and Khulna. Demand assessment and market studies for the projects have already been completed by the Institute of Business Administration (IBA) of the University of Dhaka through the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA).

To improve tourist services, modern tourist information centres have been established at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport and Benapole land port. Advanced LED information boards are also being installed at major airports, land ports and railway stations to provide tourism-related information.

The government has formed volunteer teams at popular tourist spots to ensure safety and cleanliness, while CCTV networks are being expanded to strengthen security.

The prime minister said the government is creating an investment-friendly environment to attract domestic and foreign investment in tourism. Large projects are being implemented under PPP arrangements, while policy support is being provided to entrepreneurs.

The government is also focusing on sustainable tourism models, including eco-tourism, community-based tourism, cultural and heritage tourism. Digital campaigns, participation in international tourism fairs and promotional activities are being expanded to showcase Bangladesh's tourism potential globally.

To improve service quality, specialised training programmes are being provided for tour operators, tourism entrepreneurs, accommodation workers, amusement park employees and transport workers.

The National Hotel and Tourism Training Institute under BPC is offering professional courses in hotel management, tourism and hospitality management, culinary arts, front office operations, housekeeping and food and beverage services.

The government has also trained 101 professional tour guides for archaeological, ethnic and eco-tourism sites as part of its skilled workforce development programme.

The prime minister said coordinated efforts are underway to make tourism a modern, technology-driven and foreign currency-earning industry.