The United Tourism Stakeholders Society of Bangladesh (UTSSOB) and the China Outbound Tourism Research Institute (COTRI) on Wednesday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaborate on tourism research, knowledge exchange and sustainable tourism development.

The agreement was signed on behalf of UTSSOB by its President H.M. Hakim Ali and General Secretary Rezaul Ekram, while COTRI was represented by its Chief Executive Officer and Founder, Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Georg Arlt. UTSSOB Vice President Taufiq Rahman was present at the signing ceremony.

Under the partnership, the two organisations will work together on tourism research, destination studies, market intelligence, policy advocacy, capacity building and the organisation of seminars and workshops, according to a press release issued on Wednesday.

The collaboration also includes joint research projects, publications and initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable, responsible and regenerative tourism practices.

The MoU seeks to strengthen institutional cooperation through the exchange of international best practices, encourage innovation in destination management and support evidence-based tourism policy and planning.

According to the release, the partnership is expected to enhance the competitiveness of Bangladesh's tourism sector and help position the country as a sustainable destination in the global tourism market.

Representatives of both organisations said the collaboration would contribute to research-driven tourism development and strengthen international cooperation for the long-term growth of the tourism industry.