The 13th Biman Bangladesh Travel and Tourism Fair (BTTF) 2025 has commenced in Dhaka at the Bangladesh-China Friendship International Conference Center. Organized by the country’s leading trade association, Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh (TOAB), this three-day international fair is being held with Biman Bangladesh Airlines Limited as the title sponsor.
The inaugural ceremony was graced by Lutf-e Siddiqui, International Affairs Envoy to the Chief Adviser of the Interim Government, as the chief guest on Thursday (October 30, 2025). In his address, he said, “Tourism is not just travel; it represents Bangladesh’s identity, cultural heritage, and the warmth of our people. It is a key employment sector for our youth. Unlike other sectors disrupted by technology and AI, tourism relies on human service, providing new opportunities and fostering innovation among young professionals.”
Highlighting the importance of experiences over mere attractions, Siddiqui added, “Tourism is not solely dependent on tangible assets. It is an art of creating memories. Bangladesh’s natural beauty, including the Sundarbans, Cox’s Bazar, hilly regions, historical sites, and cultural heritage, can offer unique experiences to visitors. Countries like Singapore have created global tourist attractions from experiences rather than heritage alone. Bangladesh has even greater potential, and it is our responsibility to package and present these experiences to the world.”
He further emphasized, “Tourism is not just an economic sector; it is a human-centered industry. Tourists, visiting with families and children, create lasting memories here. It is the collective responsibility of tour operators, hotels, resorts, and local communities to enhance Bangladesh’s visibility on the global tourism map.”
The ceremony was also attended by distinguished guests, including Sayema Shaheen Sultana, Chairperson, Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation; Nuzhat Yasmin, CEO (Additional Secretary), Bangladesh Tourism Board; Md. Mainul Hasan, Additional Inspector General of Bangladesh Tourist Police; Dr. Md. Shafiqur Rahman, MD & CEO of Biman Bangladesh Airlines; and Ms. Naila Ahmed, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation & Tourism. The event was presided over by Md. Rafeuzzaman, President of TOAB, and Md. Taslim Amin Shuvon, Director (Trade & Fair) of TOAB.
In his welcome speech, Md. Taslim Amin Shuvon highlighted, “For decades, we have worked to develop and support Bangladesh’s tourism industry. This fair is not only a business platform but also a unique opportunity to engage the next generation and university students, providing them training, job opportunities, and professional exposure.”
Dr. Md. Shafiqur Rahman, CEO of Biman Bangladesh Airlines, said, “Biman Bangladesh Airlines takes pride in connecting Bangladesh to the world. Aviation is not merely passenger transport; it carries the identity, culture, and hospitality of our nation. Tourism development requires collaboration among tour operators, hoteliers, travel agencies, and local communities. From Sylhet’s tea gardens to the world’s longest uninterrupted beach in Cox’s Bazar, from the Royal Bengal Tigers of the Sundarbans to the heritage of Paharpur and Mahasthangarh, Bangladesh offers unparalleled experiences for travelers.”
Md. Mainul Hasan, Additional IGP of Bangladesh Tourist Police, emphasized, “Tourism fosters human connections and contributes significantly to the economy. It creates jobs and income opportunities while expanding international exposure. Bangladesh possesses immense tourism potential, including long coastlines, forests, hills, archaeological sites, and hospitable people. Strategic promotion and infrastructure development can attract more international visitors.”
Nuzhat Yasmin, CEO of Bangladesh Tourism Board, added, “Tour operators and guides bridge the gap between travelers and destinations. They foster social cohesion and intercultural understanding. Clear policies and regulations strengthen the tourism ecosystem while encouraging innovation and collaboration.”
Sayema Shaheen Sultana, Chairperson of Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation, stated, “Tourism is a powerful means to present Bangladesh globally. This fair provides a unique platform for domestic and international tourism stakeholders to showcase destinations, services, and innovations, engage in networking, and establish business opportunities.”
In his closing remarks, Md. Rafeuzzaman, President of TOAB, urged, “To accelerate tourism growth, government support, VAT reduction, regulated hotel rates, and incentives for tour operators are essential. With proper planning and cooperation, Bangladesh can emerge as a prime destination for international travelers.”
This year’s fair features participation from the national tourism organizations of Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, and tour operators and travel agents from Nepal, Maldives, Singapore, Vietnam, UAE, China, Sri Lanka, and Turkey. The exhibition spans 4 halls with 20 pavilions and a total of 220 stalls, including airlines, hotels, resorts, cruise lines, and healthcare institutions. Side events include daily cultural performances, B2B and B2C sessions, seminars, and country presentations.
