Call to tap potentials of tourism sector

World Tourism Day-2026 was observed across districts, including Chattogram, Joypurhat, Narayanganj, Noakhali, Rajbari, Rangamti, Rangpur and Sirajganj on Sunday under the theme “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism” and with a call to tap potentials of the country’s tourism sector through digital transformation and artificial intelligence.

CHATTOGRAM: Bangladesh’s tourism potential remains largely untapped due to poor planning, inadequate research and weak international promotion, Chattogram Deputy Commissioner (DC) Mohammad Zahidul Islam Mian said on Sunday.

The DC Mohammad Zahidul Islam Mian was speaking at a discussion at Chattogram Circuit House marking World Tourism Day. A rally was also held in the city.

Highlighting the beaches, hills and lakes of Chattogram and the Chittagong Hill Tracts, he said tourism could become a major contributor to the economy alongside garments, remittances and agriculture.

He stressed the need to identify target tourists, understand their expectations and promote destinations more effectively on global digital platforms.

The DC said tourist safety should extend beyond law and order to include food safety, accommodation and safe travel.

He also urged businesses to tap into the country’s young workforce to create jobs and develop the sector through coordinated public-private efforts.

The DC asked hotel and restaurant owners to submit employee lists to the district administration for health screening and training in hygiene, food safety and customer service.

He called for a coordinated strategy to promote Chattogram’s natural beauty and heritage internationally.

Tourist Police Chattogram Region Superintendent of Police Uttam Prasad Pathak, Additional DC (General) Md Sharif Uddin, Chattogram City Corporation Regional Executive Officer Zobaida Akter and other stakeholders attended the programme.

JOYPURHAT: Marking the day, the district administration organised a colourful rally and a discussion meeting on Sunday.

Starting at 10 am from the DC office premises, the rally paraded through main town thoroughfares before concluding with a seminar at the DC office conference room.

Presiding over the event, DC Al Mamun Mia emphasised that integrating digital technology and artificial intelligence is vital to modernising the tourism sector, making it more accessible, and showcasing local attractions globally.

Zilla Parishad Administrator and BNP Senior Joint Convenor Masud Rana Prodhan, Additional DC Jesmin Nahar, and District BNP Convenor Golzar Hossain addressed the gathering as special guests. Government officials, sector representatives, and local cultural organisations participated in the programme.

NARAYANGANJ: DC Md Raihan Kabir inaugurated the day’s programme at 10 am by releasing balloons and festoons on the district administration premises, followed by a colourful rally through the city’s main thoroughfares.

The rally drew district officials, hospitality and resort operators, tourist police, and local stakeholders. A subsequent discussion meeting at the Zilla Parishad conference room, chaired by DC Md Raihan Kabir and moderated by Additional DC Naima Islam, focused on the region’s tourism potential, challenges, and security.

Officials emphasised prominent local attractions, including Panam City, the Sonargaon Museum, and the Bengal Taj Mahal.

The administration stressed leveraging AI and digital tools to project Narayanganj onto the global tourism stage.

DC Md Raihan Kabir urged law enforcement to guarantee harassment-free travel and maintain strict security across all local tourism spots.

NOAKHALI: On the occasion, Noakhali Science and Technology University (NSTU) held a rally and tree-planting programme on Sunday organised by its Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management.

Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Golam Rabbani inaugurated the programme by releasing balloons and cutting a cake before leading a rally from the administrative building. Teachers, students and university officials joined the event.

Prof Dr Golam Rabbani said tourism can contribute to foreign-exchange earnings, economic growth, employment and improved living standards, urging greater efforts to promote environmentally sustainable tourism while protecting the country’s heritage.

The rally was followed by tree planting in front of the Shaheed Cadet Sergeant Rumi Building, led by the vice-chancellor.

RAJBARI: On the occasion, a colourful rally led by DC Afroza Parveen started from the DC office premises, paraded through the town’s main thoroughfares, and concluded at the Amra Kanon.

The event was attended by Additional District Magistrate Tarif Ul Hasan, Deputy Director of District Fire Service Sohel Rana Dewan, former joint convener of District BNP Gazi Ahsan Habib, alongside local Rover Scouts, BNCC cadets, and community leaders.

Speakers emphasised that integrating smart technology, artificial intelligence, and digital platforms is revolutionising modern tourism management, marketing, and service delivery, transforming traditional travel destinations into immersive, tech-driven experiences.

RANGAMATI: A three-day tourism fair kicked off on Sunday outside the Rangamati Zilla Parishad office to mark World Tourism Day.

Zilla Parishad Chairman Dipon Talukdar inaugurated the event, which features roughly 50 stalls highlighting local agriculture, handicrafts, and indigenous products crafted by women entrepreneurs.

Organisers aim to expand market access for local goods, connect producers with regional and international supply chains through BSCIC and other departments, and bolster employment in the cottage industry.

Key officials attending the opening ceremony included Zilla Parishad Members Shwashat Chakma Rinku, Mamunur Rashid Mamun, and Nandita Das, alongside Rangamati Parjatan Corporation Manager Alok Bikash Chakma.

Organisers expect the fair to significantly drive regional economic growth and tourism development.

RANGPUR: On the occasion, a colourful rally and a discussion meeting were held here on Sunday. 

A rally was brought out from the premises of the Rangpur DC Office in the morning. The rally passed through important roads in the city before returning to the venue.

Later, a discussion meeting was held in the conference room of the DC Office with DC Israt Jahan in the chair.

At the event, various initiatives for the preservation and development of the tourism industry and archaeological sites in the Rangpur region were highlighted. Students, visitors, tourist police, representatives of civil society and various tourism-related businesses and establishments attended the programme.

SIRAJGANJ: On the occasion, a colourful rally and a discussion were held on Sunday.

The rally began from the front of the district administration office and passed through major town roads before a discussion was held at the Shaheed Shamsuddin Conference Hall. DC Md Aminul Islam attended as the chief guest, along with Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Lal Mamun, government officials and public representatives.