TOAB demands suspension of license issuance for tour operators, guides before reforms
The Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh (TOAB) has demanded the suspension of the license issuance process for tour operators and tour guides until necessary reforms are made.
TOAB made the demand in a memorandum sent to authorities concerned recently, reads a press statement issued today (27 February)
As per the press statement, in 2021, the Tour Operator and Guide Act was enacted, and the regulations were published in 2024.
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The new regulations require a registration fee of Tk50,000, a bank certificate of Tk10 lakh, and a security deposit of Tk300,000, which is considered excessive by tour operators. Similar conditions do not apply to other licenses under the same ministry.
TOAB President Md Rafeuzzaman mentioned that he had requested the authorities to amend these conditions several times, but on 22 January 2025, the Bangladesh Tourism Board started the license issuance process based on the existing regulations, reads the press statement.
In response, TOAB held a sit-in at the Bangladesh Tourism Board on Thursday and submitted a memorandum requesting the authorities to review and take appropriate action.
TOAB's directors, members, and media representatives were present at the event.
