BTM designed to link BD tourism to global markets begins Sept 3

The inauguration of Bangladesh Travel Mart (BTM) 2026, a new international travel trade platform aimed at connecting Bangladesh’s tourism industry with global markets, will begin at the InterContinental Dhaka on Thursday, September 3. 

Organised by the Bangladesh Outbound Tour Operators Association (BOTOA), the three-day event will continue until September 5, bringing together tourism businesses, buyers, sellers and service providers from Bangladesh and abroad.

BOTOA announced the details at a press conference at the InterContinental Dhaka on Monday. BOTOA President Syed Golam Mohammad, General Secretary Md Shariful Islam Sharif and Travel Mart Chief Coordinator Mohsin Iqbal briefed journalists on the event’s preparations and objectives.

Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M. Rashiduzzaman Millat, MP, is scheduled to inaugurate the travel mart as the chief guest.

The organisers expect around 100 exhibitors, 60 trade buyers and 15,000 visitors to participate in the event. Tour operators, destination management companies (DMCs), airlines, travel agencies, tourism organisations and other travel service providers will participate.

BOTOA President Syed Golam Mohammad said BTM was designed not simply as an exhibition but as a business-focused platform to establish direct links between Bangladesh’s tourism sector and international markets. “Our goal is to bring domestic and international buyers, sellers and tourism service providers under one roof to create real business opportunities,” he said.

A key feature of BTM 2026 will be its Pre-Scheduled B2B Buyer-Seller Meetings. Through an online Pre-Scheduled Appointment (PSA) System, registered participants will be able to identify potential business partners and arrange meetings before the event.

Chief Coordinator Mohsin Iqbal said the system would help participants make more productive use of their time and develop concrete business opportunities.

The mart will have separate Business-to-Business (B2B) and Business-to-Consumer (B2C) segments. The B2B section will facilitate trade negotiations, partnerships and networking, while the B2C segment will allow visitors to explore tour packages, airline tickets, hotel and resort bookings, visa services, destination information and special travel offers.

BOTOA General Secretary Shariful Islam Sharif said the association aimed to establish an international-standard travel trade platform combining exhibitions with meaningful commercial engagement.

The organisers hope BTM will evolve into a regular international trade platform, helping expand Bangladesh’s tourism market, attract investment and strengthen cooperation in the tourism, hospitality and aviation sectors.