The three-day Bangladesh Travel and Tourism Fair (BTTF) 2026 concluded on October 31 with approximately Tk 43 crore in sales and commercial transactions, highlighting the growing business potential of the country's tourism industry and increasing demand for travel services.

Organised by the Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh (TOAB), the 14th edition of the international exhibition attracted nearly 45,000 visitors, bringing together airlines, tour operators, hotels, travel agencies and tourism businesses from Bangladesh and abroad.

National flag carrier Biman Bangladesh Airlines and private carrier US-Bangla Airlines received an encouraging response in ticket sales during the fair, according to the organisers.

Held at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre (BCFCC) in Agargaon under the theme "AI Powered Tourism, Sustainable Destination", the exhibition offered a platform for business networking, destination promotion and new commercial partnerships.

Tk 43 crore business reflects market potential

The reported Tk 43 crore in commercial transactions over three days underscores the importance of organised tourism exhibitions in connecting travel businesses with customers and industry partners.

The fair attracted visitors seeking airline tickets, holiday packages, accommodation deals and information on domestic and international destinations.

The participation of international tourism companies also created opportunities for business-to-business exchanges and potential partnerships between Bangladeshi operators and overseas travel service providers.

Tourism representatives and organisations from 20 countries participated in the exhibition, according to TOAB.

Malaysia, Pakistan, the Philippines and Nepal joined as partner countries, promoting their destinations and strengthening tourism connections with Bangladesh.

Minister calls for technology-driven tourism

Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat attended the closing ceremony at Crowne Plaza Dhaka Airport as chief guest, emphasising the importance of modern infrastructure, technology, and sustainable planning in developing Bangladesh's tourism industry.

"Bangladesh's tourism sector holds immense potential," he said, highlighting government initiatives to improve connectivity and support tourism development through infrastructure expansion.

The minister said technology should play a greater role in destination management, tourist safety, waste management, environmental monitoring, and emergency services.

He stressed the need for digital information services and smart monitoring systems at tourism destinations, alongside effective regulations and sustainable development practices.

Millat also highlighted tourism-related skills development through the National Hotel and Tourism Training Institute (NHTTI) and measures to promote renewable energy use at resorts.

The closing ceremony was attended by senior officials from the Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry, Bangladesh Tourism Board, Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation, National Skills Development Authority, Tourist Police, and tourism industry organisations.

AI takes centre stage

Earlier, a seminar titled "AI for Sustainable Tourism Operation" explored how artificial intelligence could transform travel planning, booking management, hospitality services, and destination operations.

Speakers said AI could improve tourist information searches, dynamic pricing, itinerary development, language translation, and customer services while reducing operational costs.

The discussions also examined AI-driven flight route planning to improve fuel efficiency and the use of weather, booking, and transportation data to manage overcrowding at popular destinations.

However, participants cautioned that successful adoption would require reliable data, skilled personnel, sound digital infrastructure, and effective public-private partnerships.

They emphasised that technological innovation must complement, rather than replace, the personal hospitality and cultural experiences that remain central to tourism.

The seminar was chaired by TOAB First Vice President Syed Safat Uddin Ahmed, with Swadeshi Communications CEO Syed Sajjat Hossain Mahmud presenting the keynote paper.

Academics and tourism experts from National University and Daffodil International University joined the discussion.

Stronger partnerships, wider opportunities

US-Bangla Airlines served as title sponsor, while Biman Bangladesh Airlines participated as airline partner.

Other partners included Crowne Plaza Dhaka Airport, Sabre, OPAS Communications, M360ICT, Convoy Service, Maestro, Panorama PC Creators, and Ruchi.

The fair concluded with renewed emphasis on combining commercial opportunities, technological innovation, and environmental responsibility to strengthen Bangladesh's tourism competitiveness.

With Tk 43 crore in reported business and thousands of visitors, BTTF 2026 demonstrated the commercial importance of tourism exhibitions while highlighting the need to translate industry connections into lasting investment, improved services, and sustainable growth.