Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam said that the government has initiated a Tourism Mega Plan (2026–2040) aiming to attract 55.7 million tourists and generate employment for 2.19 crore people by 2040, alongside boosting private investment and sustainable sector growth.

The Minister said this while replying to a starred tabled question from A.E. Sultan Mahmud Babu (Jamalpur-2) in the Jatiya Sangsad today.

The minister said the government has taken a series of initiatives to encourage private investment and create new employment opportunities in the tourism sector.

She said under the plan the ministry has adopted a comprehensive plan to promote tourism entrepreneurship, particularly encouraging women, facilitate access to low-interest loans, and provide policy support in line with the government’s election manifesto.

“The government considers tourism as a major driver of economic growth. To this end, a number of initiatives have been undertaken to attract private investment and expand employment opportunities,” she said.

Highlighting partnership efforts, she noted that the government is placing emphasis on public-private partnership (PPP) to develop tourism infrastructure and ensure sustainable growth.

On policy reforms, the minister said that the National Tourism Policy is being updated to make the sector more sustainable and inclusive.

Regarding financial support, she stated that banks are already offering loans on easy terms to attract small and medium entrepreneurs into tourism, and these facilities will be further expanded in the future.

She also mentioned plans for improved services, saying, there is a plan to introduce a One Stop Service (OSS) to facilitate both tourists and investors.

On capacity building, the minister informed the House that from fiscal year 2021–22 to 2024–25, a total of 1,943 tour operators, 1,215 tour guides, and 1,527 street food vendors received training, while 3,085 individuals were trained as tourism volunteers.

The Minister said that the Bangladesh Tourism Board has formulated the National Tourism Human Capital Development Strategy 2021–2030 to build a skilled workforce for the sector.

She added that currently some 5.19 million people are employed in the tourism industry, and employment is projected to rise to 7.28 million by 2030.

Focusing on sustainable tourism, the minister said, Investment is being encouraged in eco-tourism and environmentally friendly infrastructure, particularly in Kuakata and coastal areas, which will create more jobs for local communities.

Highlighting grassroots engagement, she noted, that there are plans to expand community-based tourism by involving local communities in managing tourist destinations, thereby boosting employment and the rural economy.

On women’s participation, she said that initiatives have been taken to create a women-friendly environment in tourism and hospitality, encouraging women entrepreneurs and increasing female workforce participation.

She also underscored cultural promotion, stating that efforts are underway to promote festivals, traditions, and handicrafts of small ethnic communities to support rural tourism and generate employment.

Regarding large-scale investment in this sector the minister informed the House that private investment is being encouraged through the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) to establish an Exclusive Tourist Zone (ETZ) at Sabrang in Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar.”

She further added that initiatives have already been taken to implement projects on land owned by Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation in Cox’s Bazar through public-private partnership (PPP).