DHAKA, Sept 27, 2024 (BSS) – The World Tourism Day was celebrated in the country as elsewhere in the world with the call for greater cooperation between public and private sectors to seize the vast potential of Bangladesh’s tourism industry.

The celebration was started through bringing out a colorful procession in the capital's Agargaon area by Civil Aviation and Tourism ministry along with its line organizations, tourist police, tourism related private bodies and trade associations.

The Day was celebrated with the United Nations' theme for this year: 'Tourism and Peace' which was translated into Bengali as ‘Porjoton Shantir Sopaan’ (Tourism: A Step Towards Peace).

Secretary to the Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry Nasreen Jahan inaugurated the procession. The processionists were seen bearing colorful placards, balloons and a band inscribing various slogans promoting tourism industry in the country.  
Later, an engaging seminar was held at the 'Shail Propat' hall at the Parjatan Bhaban highlighting the significance of the day.

Senior Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration Dr. Md. Mokhlesur Rahman presented the keynote speech highlighted Bangladesh's immense potential in the tourism sector.

He said despite huge opportunities, Bangladesh as a country has yet to fully capitalize on its untapped potential of the tourism sector.

He called for an integrated approach and heightened efforts to promote both domestic and international tourism.

He also stressed the need for skilled human resources to support the industry’s growth.

Civil Aviation and Tourism secretary Jahan in her speech as the chief guest underscored the crucial role tourism plays in economic development, poverty alleviation, job creation and improving the country's global image.

She urged private entrepreneurs to join forces with the government to make Bangladesh one of Asia's premier tourist destinations.

Presided over by Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation Chairman AKM Aftab Hossain Pramanik, the seminar was also addressed by Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh chairman Air Vice-Marshal Md Monjur Kabir Bhuiyan, Bangladesh Tourism Board CEO Abu Taher Muhammad Jaber and  Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of the Tourist Police Md Abu Kalam Siddique, among others.

Meanwhile, President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Chief Advisor Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus have issued separate messages on the eve of the day yesterday while special supplements were published in national dailies.

Special discounts are also announced by hotels, motels, and restaurants on this occasion while Biman Bangladesh Airlines offered Special ticket with discounted fare.

The Bangladesh Tourism Corporation organized a live cooking show.

Painting and essay competitions were arranged for children at tourism centers in each district to raise awareness about tourism.

Since 1980, the UN's tourism body has proclaimed this day, which has been celebrated with due reverence in member countries worldwide.