Bangladesh is undertaking the development of the Tourism Master Plan for 1,498 tourist sites spread all around the country with a view to organising its tourism resources into a more competitive industry. Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M. Rashiduzzaman Millat made the announcement during the inauguration of the 13th Asian Tourism Fair 2026 at Dhaka on 17 September.
The tourism plan involves 1,498 sites
The Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism will develop the Tourism Master Plan involving 1,498 sites in different segments in Bangladesh, said the minister. According to the minister, different parts of Bangladesh have tourist potential, including the Sundarbans, Cox’s Bazar, hill and lake regions of Chattogram Hill Tracts, tea gardens in Sylhet, rivers, wetlands, archaeological sites, and religious tourism.
Cox’s Bazar to be a regional tourism hub
In addition, Cox’s Bazar is also one of the destinations for which the government is developing its tourism plans. As per the government plan, Cox’s Bazar will become a regional tourism hub. The recently developed Cox’s Bazar International Airport will help the government attract tourists, said the minister.
Increased private investments
According to the new tourism policy, there will be increased focus on private investments and PPPs (public-private partnerships). The government has associated tourism development with economic diversification, job creation, and development of all regions of the country. As per Millat, the government is targeting to raise the contribution of the tourism sector to the GDP of Bangladesh to 8-9% from the existing 2-3%.
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The Asian Tourism Fair unites the world tourism industry
The news was released on the eve of the 13th Asian Tourism Fair 2026, which is taking place in Dhaka. More than 200 organisations from 10 countries are attending the fair, with approximately 300 booths offering tourism destinations, services, products, and investments. The fair aims to become the forum for business, investments, cultural dialogue, and regional collaboration. The events include tourism exhibitions, business meetings, seminars, destination presentations, etc.
How will Bangladesh improve its tourism industry?
This master plan is a part of a larger initiative that seeks to structure the tourism potential of Bangladesh in various regions and under various headings. While infrastructure and investments are one aspect, involvement of the private sector and locals is another. There are 1,498 attractions listed under the master plan, indicating the need to structure the tourism industry in a way that can draw both local and international tourists.
