DHAKA, Oct 06, 2024 (BSS) – Tourism stakeholders here today called for a comprehensive crisis management plan to revive the country's tourism and hospitality sector, which has been impacted by recent student-people led mass upsurge.

Speaking at a seminar, industry experts recommended a series of measures, including boosting safety assurances for tourists, enhancing public relations efforts, participating in international tourism fairs, and appointing tourism officials in Bangladeshi missions abroad.

The event, titled 'Roadmap for Tourism Recovery: Present Bangladesh Context,' was organized by the Bangladesh Monitor, a leading aviation and travel publication. 

Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Chairman Peter A. Semone attended the programme as the chief guest, while the session was moderated by Bangladesh Monitor editor Kazi Wahidul Alam.

In his keynote speech, Syed Ghulam Qadir, General Secretary of the Bangladesh chapter of the World Tourism Network (WTN), analyzed the downturn in the tourism sector following political protest during July and August. 

He noted that hotel occupancy rates had plunged to 10-15 percent during the movement but have since recovered to around 30-35 percent. 

However, he said, many international bookings remain cancelled.

Qadir proposed several recovery strategies, including organizing road shows and familiarization (FAM) trips, establishing an e-visa system, engaging Bangladesh's national carrier Biman in tourism promotion, and leveraging the influence of non-resident Bangladeshis (NRBs). 

He emphasized the need to recognize inbound tour operators to help rebuild the sector.

According to government statistics, Bangladesh welcomed 555,000 foreign visitors last year when the tourism sector contributing 3.2 percent to the national GDP. 

Despite its growing potential, Bangladesh's tourism remains primarily driven by domestic travellers, Qadir said. 

Other participants in the discussion included PATA Bangladesh Chapter president Shahid Hamid, Secretary General Taufiq Rahman, Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh (TOAB) President Md Rafeuzzaman and Unique Hotel and Resorts CEO Md Shakawath Hossain, among others.