Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat today pledged to pursue policy support for tourism businesses earning foreign currency, alongside stronger air connectivity and public-private investment to develop Bangladesh’s tourism industry.

He was speaking at the closing ceremony of the Bangladesh Travel and Tourism Fair (BTTF) 2026 at the Crown Plaza Airport Hotel in the capital. 

Civil Aviation and Tourism Secretary Dr Nurun Nahar Chowdhury and Bangladesh Tourism Board (BTB) Chief Executive Officer Barrister Mustakim Billah Faruqui also spoke on the occasion.

The minister said he would raise the issue of incentives for tourism’s foreign exchange earnings with the relevant authorities, including the prime minister and the finance and planning ministries, if necessary.

“You are earning foreign currency,” he told tourism stakeholders, assuring them that the ministry would examine the rules and policy measures needed to support their contribution.

Millat stressed that coordinated efforts by the government and private sector were essential to turning Bangladesh’s tourism potential into economic growth and employment.

He said the government was working to strengthen aviation infrastructure, modernise digital services and ensure safe and seamless experiences for international travellers.

“We invite you to explore business opportunities here and discover the natural beauty and warm hospitality of our people,” he told foreign guests, diplomats and international partners attending the fair.

Highlighting the importance of direct air connectivity, the minister said routes linking Cox’s Bazar with potential overseas tourism markets, including Kathmandu and Kunming, could help attract more visitors.

He said the government planned to inaugurate Cox’s Bazar airport as an international airport next month, with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman expected to formally open it.

A three-month carnival in Cox’s Bazar was also planned to begin in November under an initiative of Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation, he added.

Millat said the tourism master plan included 1,498 attractions, while initiatives were being taken to expand training, introduce additional courses and develop skilled manpower for the industry.

Referring to the fair’s theme, “AI Powered Tourism, Sustainable Destination”, he said artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things and digital platforms could make tourism management faster and more effective.

He called for greater use of technology in destination management, tourist safety, waste management, environmental protection and emergency services.

On concerns over tourism establishments near the Sundarbans, the minister said the government wanted solutions that would allow businesses to operate in an environmentally responsible manner while complying with relevant restrictions.

He also assured tour operators that their concerns over registration costs would be examined, stressing the need to bring businesses under a regulatory framework.

Millat outlined plans to encourage public-private partnership investment in tourism properties, including the development of facilities at the Shaibal property in Cox’s Bazar with a possible nine-hole golf course.

Such facilities, alongside golf tournaments, could help attract additional segments of international tourists, he said.

“We want to achieve more through work,” the minister said, calling for sustained cooperation between public agencies and private stakeholders.

Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh President Mohammad Hanif and representatives of airlines, hotels and tourism businesses attended the ceremony.

The Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh organised the three-day fair.