Call for private investment in tourism
The World Tourism Day will be observed in the country today as elsewhere across the globe with a call for private investment in the tourism sector to exploit its untapped potentials.
This year the theme of the Day is 'Tourism - Celebrating Diversity'.
To observe the Day, different government and socio-cultural organisations have chalked out various programmes, including rallies, debating competition and discussions.
Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation (BPC), the only government body promoting tourism, will bring out a colourful rally from the TSC in the city at about 10:00am in association with Dhaka University Tourists Society.
Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister GM Quader, Tourism Secretary Hedayetullah Al-Mamun and Dhaka University Vice Chancellor Prof AAMS Arefin Siddique will lead the rally.
The BPC in cooperation with Tour Operators of Bangladesh will hold a seminar at a city hotel to mark the day.
National dailies will bring out supplements while radio and television channels will air special programmes highlighting significance of the day.
Meanwhile, President Zillur Rahman and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina have issued separate messages on the occasion.
In his message, President Zillur described tourism as a very potential sector of the country and said its development is possible through attractive presentation of its elements and resources both at home and abroad.
He urged the private investors to come forward to supplement the government efforts in promoting the sector.
Sheikh Hasina in her message said Bangladesh can emerge as one of the best tourism destinations in South Asia utilising its immense potentials.
She hoped that it would be possible to implement the chatter of change initiated by her government alongside building 'Golden Bangla' as dreamt by Bangabandhu through developing the country's multidimensional tourism sector.
Staff correspondent in Chittagong adds: A weeklong programme marking the 'World Tourism Day' begun at Hotel Agrabad in Chittagong yesterday.
The hotel authorities chalked out different programmes -- drawing and essay competition for school students, and colourful procession.
The hotel also offered discount on room fairs and food items on the occasion.
HM Hakim Ali, chief executive officer of Hotel Agrabad, at a press conference in Chittagong yesterday urged the government to develop different spectacular sites in the port land for expansion of tourism.
He said Cox's Bazar, Chittagong Hill Tracts, Foy's Lake, Patenga Sea Beach, War Cemetery and others places could be turned into important tourist zones.
He also expressed resentment over absence of proper security measures and facilities in many of these spots.
NM Shahed Chowdhury, deputy director of the hotel, read a written statement at the press conference.
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