Tourism fair sees high footfall with attractive offers ahead of Eid

The international tourism fair has drawn a large number of visitors, with travel enthusiasts exploring various offers on air tickets, hotel stays, and tour packages.

Many of these promotions are tailored for Eid holidaymakers, featuring discounts on domestic and international travel options.

The three-day fair titled "US-Bangla Airlines Dhaka Travel Mart 2025" began at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in the capital on Thursday (6 February).

Participants include national tourism boards, airlines, travel agencies, hotels, resorts, tour operators, and financial institutions.

Saiful Islam, head of sales at The Cox Today hotel, highlighted their exclusive Eid packages and special discounts on various services.

"We are offering special deals ahead of summer and Eid. If the overall situation in the country remains stable, we hope to receive a good number of tourists for Eid," he said.

Visitors gathered at various stalls to collect information on travel options.

Abdul Kader, a visitor at the fair, said, "I came with my wife to plan a trip for the Eid holidays. We found some good offers and are considering a family trip as a package."

Among the participating domestic businesses, Sea Pearl Beach Resort is offering a 40% discount on all room categories, while Ocean Paradise is providing a 60% discount.

Private airline Novoair is offering a 15% discount on ticket prices across all routes during the fair, along with special packages for Cox's Bazar and Kolkata.

Similarly, Biman Bangladesh Airlines is offering a 15% discount on base fares for flights to 10 destinations, including Delhi, Kathmandu, and Dubai.

The Bangladesh Monitor has organised the 20th edition of the fair, bringing together more than 50 travel-related organisations from Bangladesh, the UAE, Iran, the Maldives, Malaysia, Thailand, Nepal, Jordan, and India.

Kazi Wahidul Alam, editor of The Bangladesh Monitor, noted the increasing interest in travel.

"People's purchasing power is rising, and with that, their enthusiasm for travel is also growing. This fair provides all necessary travel information under one roof. However, while outbound tourism is increasing, we are not attracting foreign tourists at the same rate. The government needs to take steps to promote Bangladesh as a travel destination," he said.

Some exhibitors have focused on promoting specific tourism segments. 

Amar Sylhet is offering group tour packages to Sylhet, with prices as low as Tk2,600 per person for a group of 30 on a two-day, one-night trip covering attractions such as Jaflong, Lalakhal, Tamabil, and Niladri.

Iran's pavilion is focusing on medical tourism, highlighting the country as an alternative destination for healthcare.

TebMed Tourism Company Bangladesh Branch Manager Dr Mojtaba Barazegar said, "As travel to India for medical treatment has become more challenging for Bangladeshis, more people are now considering Iran as a healthcare destination."

The three-day tourism fair, held at Hotel Sonargaon in Dhaka, concludes today. The fair will run till 8pm, with an entry fee of Tk50 per person.