Over 30 tourism clusters being developed in country: PM on eve of Tourism Day

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday said more than 30 tourism clusters are being developed across the country, highlighting Bangladesh's history, culture and heritage.

He made the remark in a message issued on Saturday on the occasion of the World Tourism Day 2026, which will be observed with the theme of 'Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism' tomorrow (27 September).

The prime minister said the election manifesto of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has pledged to develop tourism as a modern and land-efficient service sector.

To achieve this objective, the government is currently implementing various commitments, with particular emphasis on formulating a National Tourism Master Plan, modernising the necessary laws and policies, and undertaking structural reforms in tourism management, he added.

"As part of these initiatives, more than 30 tourism clusters are being developed across the country, highlighting Bangladesh's history, culture and heritage. At the same time, community, eco, rural, culinary, river and coastal tourism are being promoted to integrate local communities into the tourism economy," said Tarique Rahman.

He said tourism is not merely an opportunity or a means for recreation; it is an important means of generating employment, earning foreign exchange, developing the local economy, and showcasing our history, heritage, culture and natural beauty to the world.

"Therefore, developing Bangladesh's tourism industry into a modern, technology-driven, environmentally friendly and world-class industry is one of the key priorities of our development planning," he said.

With this objective in view, on the occasion of World Tourism Day 2026, the prime minister extended his sincere greetings and felicitations to all individuals and institutions associated with the tourism industry, tourism professionals and entrepreneurs, investors, domestic and international tourists, and tourism enthusiasts across the country.

He said programmes are underway to develop modern hotels, recreational facilities and tourist attractions through public-private partnerships. Policy support and access to financing on easier terms have also been enhanced for small and medium-scale tourism enterprises and new tourism start-ups.

"For the expansion of international tourism, there is a target to develop an extensive national air connectivity network by 2034, with the aim of transforming Bangladesh into an important aviation hub in South and Southeast Asia," he said.

Tarique Rahman said improved connectivity will make travel to and from Bangladesh easier for international tourists. Optimum utilisation of limited land resources is being ensured through the expansion of high-value-added hotels, restaurants, entertainment centres and other less land-intensive service sectors, he said.

"We hope that, once these initiatives are successfully implemented, the tourism industry will make a significant contribution to achieving the national goal of building a USD 1 trillion economy by 2034. At the same time, digital connectivity will open up new opportunities for women, young people and small entrepreneurs," he said.

The prime minister said the development of tourism must be aligned with the conservation of the environment and heritage. Particular emphasis is being placed on biodiversity conservation, waste management and the reduction of carbon emissions in coastal and nature-based tourism.

"Through the collective efforts of the government, the private sector, local communities and the younger generation, we aspire to transform Bangladesh into a safe, sustainable, technology-driven and world-class tourism destination," he said.

About the theme of this year's World Tourism Day, he said it provides clear direction for transforming the future of tourism. "Artificial intelligence, big data and smart technologies can make tourism services more extensive, accessible, safe and people-centred, while also creating new opportunities for employment," he said.