Diplomatic Desk:
The three-day Bangladesh Travel and Tourism Fair (BTTF) 2026 has commenced in Dhaka, featuring participation from tourism organizations and representatives from 20 countries. Held under the theme “AI-Powered Tourism, Sustainable Destinations,” the fair emphasizes the integration of artificial intelligence, the promotion of eco-friendly tourism, and the expansion of international business collaborations.
The fair was inaugurated on Thursday (October 29) by Dr. Nurunnahar Chowdhury, Secretary of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, at a convention center in Agargaon, Dhaka. Organized by the Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh (TOAB), the event brings together domestic and international tourism organizations, airlines, hotels, and tour operators.
According to the organizers, the fair features over 220 exhibitors across more than 200 booths and stalls. It is expected to attract over 250 potential buyers and more than 2,500 trade visitors. The organizers anticipate a total footfall of over 60,000 visitors throughout the event. Participants are showcasing their tourism services, products, and investment opportunities across four themed exhibition halls.
National and international tourism organizations and representatives from 20 countries—including Nepal, India, Singapore, the Maldives, the Philippines, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, China, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Thailand, Brunei, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, and Azerbaijan—are participating in the fair.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Dr. Nurunnahar Chowdhury stated that Bangladesh’s tourism sector is entering a new era, driven by the integration of modern technology and artificial intelligence. Events like BTTF play a significant role in showcasing the country’s tourism sector on an international stage while promoting eco-friendly tourism practices. All stakeholders must work in a coordinated manner to foster the development of this sector.
According to the organizers, the key objectives of this year’s fair include improving the quality of tourism services, leveraging technology effectively, developing sustainable tourism destinations, and strengthening communication and business ties among international stakeholders. Furthermore, it is expected to create opportunities for new investments, employment, and commercial prospects within Bangladesh’s tourism sector.
The inaugural ceremony was attended by several distinguished guests, including Dr. Nazneen Kawsar Chowdhury, Executive Chairman of the National Skills Development Authority; Md. Shamimuzzaman, Chairman of the Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation; Barrister Mutasim Billah Faruqui, CEO of the Bangladesh Tourism Board; and GM Azizur Rahman, Additional IGP of the Bangladesh Tourist Police.
Also present at the event were Nina P. Cainglet, Ambassador of the Philippines to Bangladesh; Imran Haider, High Commissioner of Pakistan; Ghanshyam Bhandari, Ambassador of Nepal; and Mohammad Hanif, President of TOAB (Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh).
TOAB President Mohammad Hanif stated that, following 13 consecutive successful editions, BTTF has established itself as one of the premier tourism platforms in South Asia. The fair serves to highlight Bangladesh’s tourism potential internationally, while also strengthening business relationships with foreign stakeholders and unlocking new commercial opportunities.
US-Bangla Airlines is the title sponsor for this year’s BTTF, with Biman Bangladesh Airlines serving as the airline partner and Crowne Plaza Dhaka Airport as the platinum hospitality partner.
The fair is supported by the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, the National Skills Development Authority, the Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation, the Bangladesh Tourism Board, the Bangladesh Tourist Police, and the FBCCI.
The three-day fair will be open to visitors on Friday and Saturday, from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM each day. At the fair, visitors will have the opportunity to gather information about domestic and international travel destinations, travel packages, hotel services, and various tourism-related products, as well as to interact directly with the relevant organizations.
