Tour operators seek govt support, easy visa system to flourish tourism
Pointing to the rise in the number of both local and foreign tourists at the end of January, local tour operators have sought proper government support and easy visa system for flourishing the tourism industry.
They were speaking at the closing of 5th Dhaka International Travel Mart at Dhaka Sheraton Hotel yesterday.
“By the end of 2007, the number of tourists was dropped for devastating flood and Sidr, but by the end of this January it started growing again,” said Sushanta Chakraborty, marketing executive of Galaxy Holidays, a local tour operator.
Chakraborty said the government needs to secure political stability to woo the sector.
Echoing Chakraborty's views, Hasan Mansur, president of Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh (TOAB), said if the government takes proper initiative, the number of tourists would rise and make the sector profitable.
Mansur, also the owner of Guide Tours, said infrastructure development would also help flourish the sector.
Kazi Wahidul Alam, editor of the travel journal Monitor and chairman of the fair organizing committee, laid emphasis on proper government planning.
According to organisers, around 15 thousand people visited the fair on the last day..
“Main hurdles for developing the sector are the lack of initiatives to highlight the country's wealth and complicated visa system,” said Alam.
He suggested 'on arrival visa' for the tourists like Dubai.
Wahidul Alam also demanded privatisation of the Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation (BPC) in order to run the sector effectively.
Kawsar Chowdhury, marketing and communication manager of Best Air, was happy with the good response from the visitors.
Some 42 organisations from 9 countries including host Bangladesh took part in the fair.
Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation, Nepal Tourism Board, Tourism Malaysia, Biman Bangladesh Airlines, GMG Airlines, Emirates Airlines, Jet Air, Malaysia Airlines, Dragonair of Hong Kong, Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways and Etihad Airways also presented their attractive packages and services at the fair.
Mobile phone operator AKTEL was the title sponsor of the event, while The Daily Star, Chanel i and Radio Today were the media partners.
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