World Tourism Day today

The World Tourism Day will be observed today in the country, as elsewhere in the world, celebrating women's achievement in tourism sector.
This year the theme of the Day is 'Tourism opens doors for women'.
"This theme was chosen to stimulate action in support of UN's 3rd Millennium Development Goal: Promoting Gender Equality and Women Empowerment," World Tourism Organisation, a specialised agency of the United ýNations and a global forum for promoting tourism, said on its website about the theme.
To observe the Day, the government and different socio-cultural organisations have chalked out different programmes, including rallies, debating competition and discussion programmes.
Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation (BPC), the sole government body to promote tourism, in association with different other tourism related organisations, have decided to bring out a colourful rally from the west end of Manik Mia Avenue in the city at about 10:00am.
Sheikh Altaf Ali, secretary to the Ministry of Tourism, will lead the rally sponsored by Banglalink.
A debate competition will be held at the head office of BPC at 11:00am, a BPC handout said.
Special discounts will be available on the hotels, motels and guesthouses of BPC.
To observe the day the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel will observe the World Tourism Day with providing 25 per cent discount on lunch and dinner at its three restaurants from September 26 to 28.
The discount providing restaurants are Ciao-well known for Italian cousin, Jharna for grill and oriental menu with exclusive Japanese dishes and Café Bazar, which provides international cuisines.
UNB adds: President Iajuddin Ahmed and Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed have issued separate messages on the occasion.
Iajuddin Ahmed in his message said there is a bright prospect of tourism in Bangladesh and private initiatives can play an important role in developing the country's tourism sector alongside government activities.
He termed tourism as a 'service-oriented industry' and hoped that more involvement of women in the country's tourism industry will flourish the sector.
In another message, Chief Adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed said now tourism is one of the most potential sectors in the world. “So, tourism has been declared as a thrust sector in Bangladesh,” he added.
He called upon women entrepreneurs to come forward imbued with this year's theme of the day.