DHAKA, May 23, 2022 (BSS) - Speakers at a meeting today observed that development of tourism is a must for attaining the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

They mentioned that at least six goals of the SDGs are directly and the rest are indirectly related to tourism. 

Therefore, if tourism is not flourished, the achievement of sustainable development goals by 2030 will be hampered, they opined. 

Hence, they noted that it's a must to develop tourism for Bangladesh.

 Speakers today made this remark at the first meeting of the FBCCI Standing Committee on Tourism Development (Inbound, Outbound, Domestic and Civil Aviation) at FBCCI, said a press release.

 "109 sectors directly and 1100 sub-sectors indirectly linked with the tourism industry. Every single tourist creates 10 direct and 35 indirect employment opportunities. Therefore, tourism should be treated as a priority sector" they demanded.

 Tour operators urged the government to officially announce the country is open for foreign tourists as the government declared for overseas businessmen, which will encourage global tourists to visit Bangladesh. At the same time, they demanded for the resume of the "on-arrival visa" facilities.

During the meeting, businessmen called for issuing licenses to tour operators, recognizing them as exporters, easing the process of remitting money overseas, bringing tourist destinations under the tourism ministry and ensuring security.

While speaking as chief guest, FBCCI Senior Vice President Mostofa Azad Chowdhury Babu said, the Tourism Industry lacks skill manpower. The industry may hire experienced managers and other staff from Sri Lanka to deal with the problem.

 Among others, the Co-Chairman and the members of the committee, FBCCI Director Harun Or Rashid and Secretary General Mohammad Mahfuzul Hoque were also present at the meeting.