Desk Report:
With the theme “Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence in the Future of Tourism,” the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism has organized a series of programs from September 27 to October 3 to mark World Tourism Day 2026. Like other nations, the Ministry has finalized preparations for vibrant, destination-specific events in collaboration with public and private tourism stakeholders across Bangladesh. Preparations for these grand, week-long festivities have been completed by the Bangladesh Tourism Board, Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation, Tourist Police, agencies under the Ministry, private hotels and resorts, tour operators, travel agents, amusement park associations, various public and private universities, district administrations, and local tourism stakeholders.
The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) has set the theme for this year’s World Tourism Day as “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism.” Aligning with this vision, the event has been curated to explore the potential of digital transformation and artificial intelligence within Bangladesh’s tourism sector. The continuous advancement of digital technology has opened new horizons of possibility for the global tourism industry. By unlocking these possibilities in Bangladesh, the tourism sector is poised to generate an inclusive impact on the national economy.
A World Tourism Day rally will be held on September 27 at the Tourism Bhaban in the West Agargaon administrative area of Sher-e-Bangla Nagar. Abul Kalam Azad Siddiqui, MP, Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, will inaugurate the rally at 9:00 AM as the chief guest. Tourism stakeholders will participate in the rally held in front of the Tourism Bhaban, which will feature colorful presentations showcasing the traditional lifestyle of Bengal, the heritage of ethnic minority groups, and the cultural legacy of Dhaka. The cycle rally will be inaugurated at 9:30 AM, followed by the launch of a city tour organized by the Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation at 9:40 AM; this initiative will allow underprivileged children to visit and enjoy various tourist attractions in Dhaka through guided tours.
On September 28 at 10:30 AM, an exchange meeting with tourism stakeholders will be held in the conference room on Level 10 of the Tourism Bhaban. Stakeholders associated with the tourism sector will engage in discussions with the Bangladesh Tourism Board regarding the country’s overall tourism development in the context of World Tourism Day. Two days later, on September 30, a meeting with diplomats from key source countries will take place at the same time and venue. This event will create opportunities to promote inbound tourism and foster mutual cooperation and dialogue regarding tourism with these source countries. Diplomats will exchange views on the tourism sector with Barrister Mutasim Billah Faruqui, Chief Executive Officer of the Bangladesh Tourism Board.
The main event marking World Tourism Day will be held on October 3. The day’s program will commence at 2:30 PM at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Center in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar with the inauguration and inspection of 12 thematic exhibition stalls. These stalls will showcase the country’s traditional culture, cuisine, GI products, handcrafted souvenirs, traditional handloom and textiles, the heritage of ethnic minority groups, presentations on tourist destinations, and the traditional lifestyle of rural Bengal. Additionally, in alignment with the day’s theme, features such as experiencing tourist destinations through Artificial Intelligence, “time travel” at tourist sites, and photography at these destinations will be highlighted. A discussion session titled “Future Tourism through Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence” will begin at 3:00 PM, featuring a welcome address by Barrister Mutasim Billah Faruqui, Chief Executive Officer of the Bangladesh Tourism Board. A video message conveying greetings from Ms. Shaikha Al Nuaimi, Secretary-General of UN Tourism, will be broadcast. Dr. Mohammad Ruhul Amin, Associate Professor at the Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management, University of Dhaka, will deliver a thematic presentation on Tourism Day. Additionally, the session featuring special guests will include addresses by GM Azizur Rahman, Additional IGP of the Tourist Police; Md. Samimuzzaman, Chairman of the Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation; Md. Abdur Rouf (NDC), Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism; Abul Kalam Azad Siddique, MP, Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism; and Ali Newaz Mahmud Khaiyam, MP, State Minister for Cultural Affairs.
A highlight of this year’s World Tourism Day celebrations is the inaugural “Bangladesh Tourism Award 2026,” introduced for stakeholders within the tourism industry. Under the guidance of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, the Bangladesh Tourism Board will present these awards across 13 categories to recognize individuals, organizations, entrepreneurs, and initiatives that have made significant contributions to the sustainable development of Bangladesh’s tourism sector. Key areas of recognition include service quality enhancement, innovation, digital transformation, local community participation, the encouragement of women and young entrepreneurs, and the preservation of environmental and cultural heritage. The primary objectives of this award are to recognize initiatives that exemplify excellence, responsibility, and innovation; to foster and promote a sustainable tourism industry; and to inspire other tourism entrepreneurs and stakeholders.
Mr. Morsheduzzaman Millat, MP, Minister of Civil Aviation and Tourism, will attend the discussion meeting as the chief guest. Special guests will include Mr. Ali Newaz Mahmud Khaiyam, MP, State Minister for Cultural Affairs, and Mr. Abul Kalam Azad Siddiqui, MP, Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism. Ms. Fahmida Akhtar, NDC, Secretary of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, will preside over the event. Following the discussion, a captivating cultural program will be presented in collaboration with the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy.
We cordially invite everyone to participate in the rallies, exhibitions, discussion meetings, the award ceremony, and the cultural program, making the World Tourism Day celebration a festive and successful occasion.
