The Bangladesh Outbound Tour Operators Forum (BOTOF) convened its Annual Members Meet 2026 in Dhaka on Thursday, drawing airline representatives, international tourism authorities, and local travel industry operators in a push to deepen ties and accelerate growth in the country's outbound travel market.

The event, held at Hotel Sarina in the capital's Banani, brought together executive committee members, general members, and industry stakeholders at a time of rising international travel demand among Bangladeshi travelers.

In his opening remarks, BOTOF President Chowdhury Hasanuzzaman said the organisation remains focused on elevating Bangladesh's standing in the global outbound travel industry.

"This annual gathering reflects our unwavering commitment to elevating Bangladesh's position in the global outbound travel landscape. We are proud to have the support of such distinguished international partners who share our vision," he said.

Representatives of several international tourism bodies delivered the presentations. 

Tourism Malaysia's country in-charge Mohammad Shoeb and Malaysia Airlines country manager Shorna Das outlined travel offerings for Bangladeshi visitors. 

Thailand's Tourism Authority, represented by marketing officer Vaishali Sharma, and Thai Airways International's assistant general manager for sales, Shofi Ul Alam, highlighted aviation connectivity with the Southeast Asian destination.

The head of trade for the Saudi Tourism Authority in Bangladesh, Aamir Haque, presented the Gulf state's expanding tourism sector, while SriLankan Airlines and Turkish Airlines both underscored Bangladesh's growing importance as an outbound travel market. Md Zakir Hossain of Turkish Airlines and S M Sharif of SriLankan Airlines addressed regional connectivity and rising travel demand.

Travel technology firms were also represented. Mohammad Saiful Hoque, country general manager and chief executive of Sabre Travel Network (BD) Ltd, discussed digital transformation in the sector, while a Travelport representative outlined technology-driven solutions for travel operators.

The event included the formal introduction of the "TOAB Ogrogami Oikkojot" election panel ahead of polls for the Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh (TOAB). Candidate and incumbent TOAB President Md Taslim Amin Shovon said the industry holds significant untapped potential.

"Bangladesh's tourism potential is immense — both in terms of what we can offer the world and what our people deserve to experience beyond our borders," Taslim said, pledging to strengthen both inbound and outbound segments if re-elected.

The programme was conducted by BOTOF Senior Vice President Abdullah Al Kafi, with a vote of thanks delivered by Secretary Sheikh Kamrujjaman Rony. The formal proceedings concluded with a networking dinner.

The annual forum was supported by Turkish Airlines, SriLankan Airlines, Thai Airways, Tourism Malaysia, the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the Saudi Tourism Authority, Travelport, and Sabre Travel Network.