The government has unveiled a series of initiatives aimed at transforming tourism into a key driver of economic growth, including bringing the sector under a proposed “creative economy” framework, expanding aviation infrastructure and setting a target of raising tourism’s contribution to Bangladesh’s gross domestic product (GDP) to 6–7%.
Presenting the proposed national budget for fiscal year 2026–27 on Thursday, Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury said tourism entrepreneurs will be eligible for financing from a newly proposed creative economy fund.
To support the development of the creative economy, the government has proposed an initial allocation of Tk300 crore, with tourism among the sectors eligible for funding.
The finance minister also announced plans to mobilise an additional Tk 500 crore through Bangladesh Bank’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) fund to provide further support for creative industries.
The initiatives form part of a broader strategy to generate employment, attract investment and diversify economic growth through tourism, hospitality, culture and other creative sectors.
Govt eyes bigger role for tourism
In his budget speech, the finance minister said the government aims to increase tourism’s share of GDP to between 6% and 7% through infrastructure development, investment promotion and skills enhancement.
“To expand tourism and create large-scale employment opportunities, an investment roadmap is being prepared to attract both domestic and foreign tourists,” he said.
He added that the government is formulating a comprehensive tourism master plan that will harness the sector’s full potential, promote its diversity and incorporate modern creative concepts.
Officials expect the plan to strengthen eco-tourism initiatives and enhance Bangladesh’s competitiveness as an international tourism destination.
Aviation expansion to support tourism growth
The government has identified aviation infrastructure development as a key component of its tourism expansion agenda.
For FY2026–27, the proposed budget allocates Tk1,884 crore to the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism. The ministry’s revised allocation for the outgoing fiscal year stands at Tk1,300 crore, compared with an original allocation of Tk2,455 crore.
The government has outlined an ambitious roadmap to transform Bangladesh into a regional aviation and tourism hub, with plans to expand air connectivity, modernize airport infrastructure and strengthen the country's position in international trade and travel.
Presenting the proposed budget for fiscal year 2026–27, the finance minister said integrated development programmes are being implemented to establish Bangladesh as one of the leading aviation hubs in South and Southeast Asia by 2034.
As part of the initiative, the government plans to develop a national air connectivity grid and transform the airports in Dhaka, Chittagong and Sylhet into integrated passenger and logistics hubs.
In addition, the airports in Cox’s Bazar, Jessore, Rajshahi and Saidpur will be upgraded as international gateways to enhance regional and global connectivity.
The government is also moving to fully operationalize the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, expand runway capacity at Sylhet and Chittagong airports, and complete ongoing development works at Cox’s Bazar Airport.
Passenger services, cargo handling systems and aviation safety standards will be modernized through the expansion of digital services and technology-driven management systems, according to the budget proposal.
Biman to add 14 Boeing aircraft
Highlighting efforts to strengthen the national carrier, the finance minister said Biman Bangladesh Airlines has finalized an agreement with US aircraft manufacturer Boeing to procure 14 modern aircraft at an estimated cost of $3.7 billion (Tk45,408 crore).
The acquisition is expected to significantly expand Biman’s fleet, improve international connectivity and increase both passenger and cargo transport capacity.
The government believes the investment will enhance Bangladesh’s competitiveness in the global aviation market and support its broader connectivity ambitions.
Focus on skills and hospitality standards
To address skills shortages in the tourism sector, the government plans to establish a specialized training institute for tourism professionals that meets international standards.
Training in hospitality-related professions, including culinary arts, will be upgraded through the introduction of an “International Hospitality Benchmark” aimed at aligning local skills with global industry requirements.
Authorities also plan to introduce internationally recognized certification programmes for tourism trainees in collaboration with reputed global organizations.
‘Created in Bangladesh’ branding push
As part of its broader creative economy strategy, the government will launch a national branding campaign titled “Created in Bangladesh” to promote the country's creative industries in international festivals and global markets.
The initiative will include enhanced support for theatre, cultural heritage preservation and film development. The government also plans to establish internationally competitive production studios to facilitate participation in the rapidly growing OTT content market.
Challenges remain
Despite the ambitious targets, analysts caution that increasing tourism’s contribution to GDP to 6–7% will require more than infrastructure development.
They stress the need for stronger tourism governance, improved visitor safety, easier visa procedures, enhanced destination management and higher service standards to ensure sustainable growth and international competitiveness.