The Bangladesh Tourism Board (BTB) held a meeting with diplomats from foreign embassies and international organisations in Dhaka on Wednesday to promote the country's tourism more effectively overseas.

The meeting was held as part of the week-long observance of World Tourism Day 2026 and was titled "Connecting Destination Bangladesh: Tourism as a Bridge for People-to-People Connectivity". Participants discussed Bangladesh's tourism potential, ways to increase inbound tourism, and how tourism can strengthen contacts and cultural ties between peoples.

Diplomatic representatives from Bhutan, China, Oman, Singapore, Iran, Algeria, and Pakistan, among other countries, attended, along with a representative of UNESCO, according to a press release.

BTB Chief Executive Officer Barrister Mutasim Billah Faruki opened the meeting by outlining the potential of the country's tourism sector. He spoke about using information technology, particularly artificial intelligence, to promote the industry, steps needed to attract international tourists, and ways to expand tourism cooperation with other countries. A presentation on Bangladesh's tourist attractions and the industry as a whole followed.

In an open discussion, participants shared views on boosting tourism-related cooperation. The diplomats expressed particular interest in the natural diversity of the Sundarbans and Sylhet, as well as the country's religious sites, archaeological remains, culture, and heritage.

Speakers stressed the need to improve facilities at tourist sites and to develop international-standard tourism products and experiences so that Bangladesh's attractions can be presented more appealingly to foreign visitors. Views were also offered on adopting offers and marketing strategies tailored to specific source markets.

Speakers said historical, religious, and heritage sites should not be promoted merely as places to visit. They said the stories of history, culture, and everyday life linked to these sites should be conveyed to tourists in an engaging way. The importance of visual storytelling and of using modern technology, especially artificial intelligence, in promotion, marketing, and branding was also highlighted.

Representatives of private inbound tour operators who attended the meeting expressed optimism about collective efforts to create attractive package tours based on the country's culture, heritage, and tourist attractions, and to build links with source markets.

The BTB said in its press release that it would take effective steps in the coming days to showcase Bangladesh's natural beauty, religious and cultural heritage, and hospitality, both to diplomats stationed in the country and, through them, in their home countries.

The board expects the initiative to help with tourism branding, improve the country's image, raise awareness of Bangladesh, and foster mutual cooperation in tourism.