Tour operators in Bangladesh have called on Sri Lanka to waive visa-on-arrival fees for Bangladeshi travellers and introduce more affordable tourism packages, aiming to boost visitor flows between the two South Asian countries.

The appeal was made during a media networking session organised by the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau in Dhaka on Sunday, attended by tourism stakeholders from both countries.

The session was presided over by Sri Lanka's High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Dharmapala Weerakkody while SLTPB chairman Buddhika Hewawasam and TOAB president Mohammad Rafeuzzaman were among the special guests in attendance.

Leaders of the Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh said the current visa-on-arrival charges remain a deterrent for potential travellers.

“On-arrival visa fees for SAARC countries, including Bangladesh, range between $25 and $30, which creates an additional financial burden for tourists,” said Anwar Hossain, adding that waiving the fee could encourage more outbound travel.

Sri Lanka currently requires travellers, including Bangladeshis, to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) prior to arrival to avoid delays, although visa-on-arrival facilities are still available at higher processing costs.

Since late 2025, authorities in Sri Lanka have increasingly emphasised pre-arrival authorisation, moving away from earlier, more flexible visa-on-arrival arrangements.

Speaking at the event, Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Dharmapala Weerakkody, highlighted the potential for closer tourism cooperation between the two countries.

“Such initiatives can serve as milestones in boosting the tourism industries of both Bangladesh and Sri Lanka,” he said.

A presentation at the session showcased Sri Lanka’s tourism offerings, including luxury travel, family-oriented destinations, and improved air connectivity and accommodation facilities.

SLTPB Chairman Hewawasam said Sri Lanka is positioning itself as a safe and attractive global destination, with efforts underway to enhance services and offer more competitive packages for Bangladeshi visitors.

President of TOAB, Mohammad Rafeuzzaman, welcomed the initiative, saying it would strengthen ties among tourism stakeholders and pave the way for expanded cooperation.

Participants also discussed improving airline connectivity and upgrading travel-related infrastructure to facilitate tourism growth.

An exclusive business-to-business roadshow and networking evening for tourism trade partners is scheduled to be held today at the Grand Ballroom of the same hotel.