3-day tourism fair to begin on 30 March

The 10th Mastercard Bangladesh Travel and Tourism Fair (BTTF)-2022 is all set to kick off on Wednesday (30 March) at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre in Dhaka, after a two-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 epidemic.

At a press conference in the capital on Monday, the Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh (Toab), the organiser of the three-day fair, expressed hope that the fair would help the tourism industry revive the crisis faced during the epidemic.

While addressing the media, Toab President Md Rafeuzzaman said the return of the BTTF will revive the tourism industry and play an important role in the country's economy.

As the fair will take place after two years, the businessmen, tourists and all parties concerned in the tourism industry are excited about the fair, he added.

Last year, Toab estimated a loss of around Tk20,000 crore in the industry due to Covid-19 in 2020.

There will be packages with special discounts for participating companies to visit different tourist spots in Bangladesh, especially during the two upcoming Eid holidays.

"We will hold two seminars and B2B meetings where both local and foreign tour operators will have the opportunities to share their knowledge and experiences to take the industry forward," he added.

Bangladesh Tourism Board CEO Jabed Ahmed emphasized the need for foreign investment in the tourism industry. Roadshows will be organised abroad to promote the tourism potential of Bangladesh.

Both national and international tourism companies, tour operators, travel agents, hotels, resorts, amusement parks and transport companies from home and abroad, including Eastern Himalayas Travel and Tour Operators' Association, will participate in the fair supported by the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, Bangladesh Tourism Corporation and Bangladesh Tourism Board.

Since 2007, Toab has been organising the country's largest tourism fair aiming at the sustainable development of the industry.

There will be a total of 100 stalls at the fair supported by the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, Bangladesh Tourism Corporation and Bangladesh Tourism Board.

The BTTF fair will be open for visitors from 10 am to 8 pm every day. The entry ticket will cost Tk30, however, students can enjoy free entry by showing their ID cards.

"Mujib's Bangladesh Night" will be held on the concluding day of the fair.