The government has taken an initiative to celebrate World Tourism Day on September 27 with extensive programmes across Bangladesh, aiming to promote the country's tourism potential, culture and heritage to a global audience.

The decision was made at a preparatory meeting held at the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism at the Bangladesh Secretariat on Thursday to finalise the observance and formulate a detailed programme.

The meeting was attended by Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroz Khanam and State Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat.

This year's World Tourism Day will be observed under the theme, "Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence: Shaping the Future of Tourism"

Speaking at the meeting, Minister Afroz Khanam said the government wants to celebrate the day across the country with great enthusiasm through a wide range of programmes.

She said exhibitions showcasing Bangladesh's culture and heritage will be organised to present the country's tourism sector to the international community. The minister also directed the authorities to ensure simultaneous observance of the day at the district level.

"We want to use this year's celebration to take Bangladesh's tourism to the global stage," she said, seeking active cooperation from private stakeholders in the tourism sector to make the programmes successful.

State Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat said television commercials (TVCs) produced by the Bangladesh Tourism Board will be displayed at major public locations across the country as part of the celebrations.

He said a live cooking show and a culinary competition will also be organised in honour of members of the diplomatic community to showcase Bangladesh's rich and diverse culinary heritage to an international audience.

The meeting was also attended by Civil Aviation and Tourism Secretary Fahmida Akhtar, NDC, along with senior officials of the ministry and its subordinate agencies.