The government has set a target to raise the tourism sector's contribution to the country's gross domestic product (GDP) to between 6 and 7 percent through a series of aviation, connectivity and investment initiatives proposed in the national budget for fiscal year 2026-27.

Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury announced the target while unveiling the national budget in the Jatiya Sangsad today, expressing optimism that ongoing and planned developments in the civil aviation and tourism sectors would accelerate the growth of the tourism industry.

As part of the broader tourism development strategy, the minister said an investment roadmap is being prepared to attract more domestic and foreign tourists and generate substantial employment opportunities in the sector.

To support the target, the government has proposed an allocation of Tk 1,884 crore for the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism in the 2026-27 fiscal year. The revised allocation for the outgoing fiscal was Tk 1,300 crore against the original allocation of Tk 2,455 crore.

The finance minister said integrated development programmes are being implemented in the civil aviation sector to build a modern, efficient and globally competitive aviation industry, which would serve as a catalyst for tourism expansion.

He said the expansion of terminal facilities at Jashore and Saidpur airports, full-scale operation of the Third Terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, enhancement of runway capacity at Sylhet and Chattogram airports and completion of development works at Cox's Bazar Airport would significantly improve airport capacity and passenger services.

Amir Khosru said Biman Bangladesh Airlines has signed a final agreement with US aircraft manufacturer Boeing to procure 14 modern aircraft at an estimated cost of US$3.7 billion, equivalent to Tk 45,408 crore.

The acquisition, he said, would expand Biman's fleet, strengthen international connectivity and increase passenger and cargo transportation capacity, helping position Bangladesh more competitively in the global aviation market.

The minister said the government is also modernising airport passenger services, strengthening cargo management systems, improving aviation safety standards and expanding digital services to develop a more efficient and competitive aviation sector.

Looking ahead, he announced plans to establish a national air connectivity grid, develop new international gateways and transform Dhaka, Chattogram and Sylhet into integrated passenger and logistics hubs.

Rajshahi, Cox's Bazar, Jashore and Saidpur airports would also be developed as international gateways, while an integrated digital logistics platform would be introduced to facilitate trade and transportation, he said.

He said the government would also focus on ensuring hassle-free passenger services, improving facilities for expatriate workers, promoting renewable energy and developing skilled human resources to build a sustainable and inclusive aviation system.

The finance minister expressed confidence that the combined initiatives would boost private investment, create employment opportunities and contribute to higher economic growth.