The Bangladeshi government, led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, has set a goal to boost the tourism sector's contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to 6-7 percent. Speaking at the oath-taking ceremony of the Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh (TOAB) on August 2, 2026, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam outlined the government's strategy to build a sustainable and modern tourism sector with an integrated Tourism Master Plan encompassing 1,498 tourist attractions.
A significant focus of the plan is transforming Cox's Bazar, known for the world's longest natural sea beach, into a regional tourism hub. Afroza Khanam emphasized the importance of Cox's Bazar International Airport in attracting more international visitors and accelerating the sector's growth. To support this initiative, the government is implementing a nationwide Tourism Satellite Account (TSA) to improve data collection and policymaking in the sector.
The government also plans to offer special discounts for expatriate Bangladeshis at hotels and motels operated by the Bangladesh Tourism Corporation (BTC). This move aims to recognize their economic contributions while boosting tourism. Afroza Khanam expressed confidence in the new TOAB leadership to advance the tourism industry and congratulated them on their election.
The tourism sector's growth is crucial for Bangladesh's economy, as it can create jobs, stimulate local businesses, and enhance the country's global profile. By developing Cox's Bazar into a key tourism destination and improving infrastructure and services, the government hopes to make tourism one of the nation's key economic drivers.
