Govt rolls out mega tourism plan with Cox's Bazar at the centre, PM tells JS
The government plans to build international-standard hotels and tourism facilities on BTC-owned land in Cox's Bazar, Sylhet and Khulna.
Highlights:
- Nationwide tourism master plan underway
- Cox's Bazar to get global-standard facilities under PPP
- International hotels planned in key destinations
- Tourism institute offering skill training
- 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 today (15 July) in parliament.
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Responding to a question from Cox's Bazar-3 lawmaker Lutfor Rahman, the PM 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 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 Parjatan corporation-owned land under the public-private partnership 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 Parjatan Corporation-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 of the University of Dhaka through the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority.
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 PM said the government is creating an investment-friendly environment to attract domestic and foreign investment in tourism. Large projects are being implemented under public-private partnership 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 Parjatan Corporation 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 PM said coordinated efforts are underway to make tourism a modern, technology-driven and foreign currency-earning industry.
