Bangladesh Travel Mart kicks off in city

A three-day international tourism event, Bangladesh Travel Mart (BTM) 2026, opened at a city hotel on Thursday, bringing together local and international tourism service providers and attracting travel enthusiasts to its exhibition stalls.

Organised by the Bangladesh Outbound Tour Operators Association (BOTOA), the travel mart will continue until September 5. The event features tour operators, travel agencies, airlines, destination management companies (DMCs), tourism organisations and various travel service providers from Bangladesh and abroad.

Exhibitors are showcasing tour packages to domestic and international destinations, air tickets, hotel and resort bookings, visa services, travel facilities and special offers at their respective stalls.

Visitors were seen gathering at different stalls, seeking information on tour packages and comparing airfares, accommodation options, visa services and other travel-related facilities according to their needs.

According to BOTOA, around 100 exhibitors, 60 trade buyers and 15,000 visitors are expected to participate in this year's event. Tour operators, destination management companies, airlines, travel agencies and tourism-related organisations from different countries are taking part.

BOTOA President Syed Golam Mohammad said the organisation views Bangladesh Travel Mart as more than just an exhibition.

“We see Bangladesh Travel Mart not merely as an exhibition, but as a platform for establishing direct links between Bangladesh's tourism businesses and the international tourism market. Our goal is to bring buyers, sellers and tourism service providers from home and abroad together in one place and create tangible business opportunities,” he said.

BOTOA Secretary General Md Shariful Islam Sharif said the association aims to establish an international-standard travel trade platform where participants can engage in meaningful B2B meetings and develop practical business connections alongside the exhibition.

Earlier, the travel mart was inaugurated by Dr Prakash Kanti Chowdhury, Secretary of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism. Philippine Ambassador to Dhaka Nina P Keinglet, along with representatives of the ministry, the tourism sector and various organisations, attended the inauguration.