Parjatan Corporation to build 5-star hotels in Bagerhat, Khulna

The Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation plans to build five-star hotels and training centres in Bagerhat and Khulna as part of its efforts to develop quality tourism infrastructure at key destinations across the country.

The corporation's Chairman Md Shamimuzzaman disclosed the plan at a press conference held at Crowne Plaza Dhaka Gulshan in the capital today (14 September), ahead of the 13th Asian Tourism Fair 2026.

He said quality tourism infrastructure is essential to make Bangladesh's tourism sector more competitive. To this end, the corporation is working to develop hotels, motels, restaurants, tourist facilities, rest houses, and other hospitality infrastructure at important tourist destinations.

"Tourism is not limited to recreation and travel. It is also an important driver of employment, investment, and local economic development," Shamimuzzaman said.

He said a tourist's spending benefits not only hotels but also transport operators, restaurants, tour operators, travel agencies, local guides, handicrafts, local food producers, agriculture, entertainment businesses, and small and medium enterprises.

"Tourism directly and indirectly creates substantial employment opportunities. In particular, it offers huge potential for women, local communities, and small entrepreneurs," he said.

Shamimuzzaman said Bangladesh's tourism development strategy should focus on jobs, investment, and inclusive development.

He said Bangladesh also has significant investment potential in convention facilities, wellness, and medical tourism, adventure tourism, and tourism based on heritage and archaeological sites.

Public-private partnerships (PPP) and private investment can play an important role in developing these sectors, he added.

Asian Tourism Fair on 17-19 Sept

It was announced at the press briefing that the 13th Asian Tourism Fair 2026, featuring a wide range of domestic and international travel and tourism opportunities, will begin on 17 September at the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB) in Dhaka.

The three-day fair will remain open daily from 10am to 7pm and continue until 19 September.

Organised by tourism magazine "Parjatan Bichitra", the fair is endorsed by the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism and supported by the Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation and Bangladesh Tourism Board.

This year's fair will bring together more than 200 organisations from 10 countries, including Bangladesh, Thailand, the Philippines, the Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Malaysia, China, and Pakistan. Around 300 booths will be set up across three halls.

Md Mohiuddin Helal, editor of Parjatan Bichitra and chairman of the Asian Tourism Fair, briefed the media on the various aspects and objectives of the fair.

The fair will play an important role in strengthening business connections among domestic and international tourism stakeholders, promoting tourism products, and creating new opportunities for tourism investment in Bangladesh, he said.

He said the fair has placed particular emphasis on Bangladesh's diverse regional tourism products, including haor tourism, Sundarbans tourism, river tourism, adventure tourism, community-based tourism, and eco-tourism.

International participants will also promote their respective destinations and tourism products, he added.

Hotels, resorts, tour operators, travel agencies, airlines, government, and private tourism organisations, as well as foreign embassies and missions, will showcase their tourism products, services, and special offers for visitors.

Major attractions of the fair include the Destination Bangladesh Showcase, International Tourism Showcase, and Bangladesh Tourism Investment Showcase.

The programme will also feature B2B sessions, seminars, destination presentations, panel discussions, product promotions, and networking opportunities.

Cultural performances from Bangladesh, Nepal, and the Philippines will be held every evening.