TOAB demands revision of tour operators, guides rules 

The Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh (TOAB) today (30 July) demanded revision of the Bangladesh Tour Operators and Tour Guides (Registration and Operation) Rules, 2024.

It urged the government to make the policy practical, consistent, and aligned with the realities of the tourism industry, reads a press release.

The TOAB leaders made the demands by staging a peaceful sit-in programme in front of the Bangladesh Tourism Board in Agargaon in the capital. 

The government earlier enacted the Tour Operators and Tour Guides (Registration and Operation) Act, 2021, and under this act, the Rules 2024 were officially published on 28 March last year. 

However, soon after its publication, concerns arose over some of its provisions, particularly the high financial requirements, which tour operators have deemed impractical.

As per the rules, tour operators must submit an application with a non-refundable fee of Tk3,00,000, a bank solvency certificate of Tk10,00,000, and a security deposit of Tk50,000 to obtain a license. 

TOAB has protested that such requirements are unrealistic for most tour operators. 

They also pointed out that similar licensing under other ministries does not impose such stringent conditions.

Addressing the sit-in, TOAB President Md Raffeuzamma, senior leaders, and directors of the organisation expressed deep concern over the lack of inclusivity in the formulation of the rules. 

TOAB further urged the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, as well as the Bangladesh Tourism Board, to provide clear guidance on the implementation of the 11-member expert committee formed on 26 May to review the rules. 

Speakers at the event called for the immediate suspension of the licensing activities under the current framework, stressing that the continuation of such procedures would only harm the tour operators.