Philippine Ambassador to Bangladesh Nina Padilla Cainglet today underscored the importance of sustainable tourism in generating employment, preserving cultural heritage and strengthening people-to-people connectivity, calling for greater tourism cooperation between Bangladesh and the Philippines.

"Tourism gives us the opportunity to see the heart and soul of countries," she said while addressing the inaugural ceremony of the three-day Bangladesh Travel and Tourism Fair (BTTF) 2026 at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre (BCFCC) in Agargaon here.

The ambassador said tourism offered travellers a unique opportunity to understand different societies through interactions with local people and experiences involving traditional cuisine, cultural heritage and historical attractions.

"When you visit countries, you see the people, you meet the people, you eat their food, you see the sights, you get to learn about their heritage, their tradition, their culture," she said.

Highlighting the importance of tourism in fostering friendship and mutual understanding, Cainglet invited Bangladeshi travellers to visit the Philippines and explore its diverse attractions.

"It's a beautiful country. Its people are kind and hospitable," she said, adding that visitors would experience a welcoming environment that could make them feel at home.

The Philippine envoy emphasised that tourism was not merely a recreational activity but also a major contributor to economic growth and employment generation worldwide.

"It directly or indirectly supports 10 percent of global economic activity. It supports at least one of 10 jobs," she said.

Cainglet said promoting tourism should remain a shared priority among countries as the industry created employment opportunities, supported livelihoods and strengthened local economies.

Welcoming the fair's theme, "AI Powered Tourism, Sustainable Destination", she stressed the importance of protecting natural resources and cultural heritage for future generations.

"What we have today, we inherited it, and we pass it on to the next generation," she said.

The ambassador also praised the organisers for incorporating traditional dance and cultural performances into the fair, saying tourism played an important role in preserving cultural identities.

She observed that tourism helped revive traditional music, dances and other cultural expressions that might otherwise gradually disappear.

Expressing optimism about bilateral tourism prospects, Cainglet said she looked forward to stronger cooperation between Bangladesh and the Philippines.

She also congratulated the Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh (TOAB) for organising the international tourism exhibition.

Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry Secretary Dr Nurun Nahar Chowdhury inaugurated the 14th edition of BTTF as the chief guest.

Organised by TOAB, the three-day exhibition will continue until October 31, bringing together tourism operators, airlines, hotels, travel agencies and hospitality businesses.

The fair features participation from 16 countries, including Bangladesh, highlighting opportunities for international tourism cooperation and business partnerships.

According to the organisers, the exhibition features more than 200 booths and stalls, over 220 exhibitors and approximately 2,500 trade visitors.

The event aims to promote Bangladesh's tourism potential, strengthen business networking and encourage technological innovation and sustainable tourism practices.