Desk Report:
The three-day ‘Bangladesh Travel and Tourism Fair (BTTF) 2026’ is set to begin in Dhaka on October 29, aimed at fostering the growth of the nation’s tourism industry, attracting international investment, and promoting tourism systems powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI). Organized by the Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh (TOAB), this 14th edition of the fair will run from October 29 to 31 at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Center (BCFEC) in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka.
The theme for this year’s fair is ‘AI-Powered Tourism, Sustainable Destinations.’ This theme highlights the integration of Artificial Intelligence in the tourism sector, the implementation of technology-driven services, the promotion of eco-friendly tourism, and the development of sustainable destinations.
During a press conference held on Tuesday (October 27, 2026) at the Crowne Plaza Dhaka Airport, the organizers outlined the detailed plans and various aspects of the event. The press conference was presided over by TOAB President Mohammad Hanif.
The organizers stated that representatives from national and international tourism organizations from over 20 countries—including India, Nepal, Singapore, the Maldives, the Philippines, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, China, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Thailand, Brunei, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, and Azerbaijan—will participate in this year’s fair. US-Bangla Airlines serves as the title sponsor for this international event. At the press conference, TOAB President Mohammad Hanif stated, “BTTF is no longer just an exhibition; it has evolved into one of the premier tourism platforms in South Asia. This event will play a pivotal role in showcasing the domestic tourism industry on the global stage, while also facilitating B2B networking with international brands and opening up new commercial horizons.”
He further added that the fair is expected to be instrumental in highlighting Bangladesh’s tourism potential internationally, fostering communication among domestic and foreign tourism-related organizations, and building business partnerships.
With the participation of tourism destinations, hotels and resorts, airlines, tour operators, travel agencies, and various other tourism-related service providers, BTTF 2026 will create opportunities to expand business connections among both local and international entrepreneurs and service providers. In particular, the integration of AI technology and the exchange of ideas on sustainable tourism development will help enhance the competitiveness of Bangladesh’s tourism sector on the global stage.
The press conference was attended by Md. Rafeuzzaman, former TOAB President and Chief Fair Coordinator; Kamrul Islam, General Manager (PR) of US-Bangla Airlines; Ashwani Nayar, General Manager of Crowne Plaza Dhaka Airport; Syed Shaft Uddin Ahmed, First Vice President of TOAB; Rahmat Ali, Head of Sales at BCFCC; Md. Mizanur Rahman, TOAB Director (Media & PR); Abul Baset Babu, Director (Trade & Fair); Rezaul Ikram Reza, former Fair Director; and Taufiq Rahman, Secretary General of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Bangladesh Chapter. With its international participation, focus on technology-driven tourism, and opportunities for expanding business networks, BTTF 2026 is considered a significant event for the country’s tourism industry. Stakeholders anticipate that this fair will help showcase Bangladesh’s tourism potential more extensively on the international stage.
