Govt finalising tourism master plan covering 1,498 spots: Minister
National Tourism Policy 2026 also being drafted for sustainable development.
The government is finalising a comprehensive tourism master plan after identifying around 1,498 tourism spots across the country, while also drafting the National Tourism Policy 2026 to promote eco-friendly and sustainable tourism development.
Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat disclosed the information today (30 August) in a written response to a question from MP Shawkat Ara Akter (Women's Reserved Seat-33) during a question-answer session in parliament, chaired by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed.
The minister said the government had undertaken various initiatives to attract domestic and foreign tourists while developing the country's tourism attractions in an eco-friendly manner.
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As part of these efforts, around 1,498 tourist spots have been identified nationwide, and work to finalise an integrated tourism master plan is currently underway.
To eliminate data gaps in the tourism sector and ensure planned development, work on preparing a "Tourism Satellite Account" is also ongoing, he added.
Millat said steps had been taken to develop tourist spots under a "Community Based Tourism" model by involving local communities.
The model aims to ensure local participation while promoting sustainable development of tourist centres, he said.
To enhance visitor safety, initiatives have also been taken to increase the manpower of the Tourist Police, the minister informed the House.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism and the Ministry of Cultural Affairs will work jointly to promote cultural tourism in the country.
A decision has been made to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the two ministries for this purpose.
Following the signing of the MoU, a standard operating procedure will be formulated and a joint task force will be constituted to expedite operations, the minister said.
To promote Bangladesh as an international tourist destination, a branding initiative titled "Beautiful Bangladesh" has been launched.
The development of an official website, beautifulbangladesh.gov.bd, is also underway.
The minister said the government aims to develop the country's tourism spots in a planned, eco-friendly and sustainable manner through these initiatives and attract both domestic and international tourists.
