Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh (TOAB) -- trade organization of tourism industry, has demanded elimination of various inconsistencies in the rules for tour operators, tour guides and withdrawal of the ban laid out in the new gazette
TOAB made this demand in a press conference at the National Press Club on Wednesday.
TOAB President Rafeuzzaman said, "The new gazette regarding the registration of tour operators has mentioned some rules and conditions, which are very difficult to be complied with. The industry will suffer if restrictions and policies mentioned in the gazette are implemented, he said.
As per rules, in case of application for license of tour operator and tour guide (registration and management), Tk 50,000 registration fee, Tk 10 lakh bank deposit and Tk 3 lakh security money to be paid. It is not possible for a new firm aspiring to become a tour operator.
It will discourage new entrepreneurs in near future. He also demanded abolition of tax on services of tour operators in the interests of creating a booming industry.
He said, "Tour operators collect services from various sectors to create a package to the convenience of tourists. They have to pay in advance for renting hotel rooms, purchasing transport ticket, paying restaurant bills, purchasing tickets to various tourist spots and amusement parks."
Tour operators provide services to tourists by combining all the mentioned tourism elements. Now if Value Added Tax (VAT) is demanded again on the combined package or if 15 per cent VAT is levied on operators' services, the package price or travel cost will increase to a large extent.
It will greatly affect the industry, especially the inbound and domestic tourism. Moreover, "Withdrawal of existing facilities to the industry may also hinder the development of Bangladesh's thriving tourism industry."
TOAB called for cancellation of money for security and removal of various inconsistencies mentioned in the rules, demanded withdrawal of VAT on tour operator services at this state of the tourism industry.
It has called for reducing tour operators and tour guides registration and management fees, bank status certificates, recognition of export products, incentives and other facilities to be provided to inbound tourism.
It has also called for easy access to foreign exchange; low coat road transport for tourists, boats, accommodation, and other tax-free or concessional facilities should be given on equipment- etc.
It has also demanded continuation of operation of tourist boats in the Sundarbans throughout the year, make easier to get permits for tourists in hilly areas and creating an alternative route to travel from Teknaf to Saint Martin.
First president of TOAB, Abul Kalam Azad, vice-president Anwar Hossan, former President and Governing body member of Bangladesh Tourism Board Shiblul Azam Qureshi, TOAB Director for media Muhammad Yunus and others were present on the occasion.
