Businesses in the tourism sector on Tuesday sought the government's support in national and international branding besides increasing policy support for the development of this potential sector.
They said the tourism sector is not in the list of the top ten sectors of Bangladesh, even though it has 100% value addition to the country's economy including the payment of high VAT and tax.
In the second meeting of the Standing Committee on Hotel, Motel, Resort and Guest House Development held at the FBCCI, the businesses said that the tourism industry in Bangladesh has developed.
But, the development is far behind compared to that of the neighboring countries.
They also believe that the tourism sector will be at the top of the country if government policy support increases, said a press release.
Speaking as the chief guest, FBCCI Vice-President Md Amin Helaly said: "Tourism sector has made a lot of progress in the past years. Modern facilities, equipment and technology are being used in our hotels, motels and resorts like developed countries. But, still the industry faces the lack of infrastructure, skilled manpower and transport facilities."
He mentioned that tourism business owners should emphasize more on quality of service.
"Seven Sisters of India could be the potential market for Bangladesh's tourism sector. Integrated initiative can be taken to tie up with the tourists of Seven Sisters region," Helaly added.
Vice-President MA Momen informed that the FBCCI is going to organize the Bangladesh Business Summit in March, 2023 marking the 50th founding anniversary of the apex trade body.
International business communities, government officials from several countries and heads of development partners will come to grace the occasion.
He suggested the businesses use the event as a branding platform.
FBCCI Vice-President and Director In-charge of the committee Md Aminul Haque Shamim informed that every year about 11 million people travel globally.
"Even Bangladeshi tourists also travel to different countries. But, we can't attract foreign tourists. To expand the sector, there is a need to provide duty free facility on import of tourist buses and other equipment," he added.
The meeting was presided over by the Chairman of the committee and President of Tourism Resort Industries Association of Bangladesh Khabir Uddin Ahmed.
FBCCI Director MGR Nasir Majumder, Hafez Harun, Abu Hussain Bhuiyan (Ranu), Akkas Mahmood, Secretary General Mohammad Mahfuzul Hoque, Committee Co-Chairman Khandaker Ruhul Amin, AHM Aminul Islam Bhuiyan, Irfan Ahmed, Jalal Uddin Tipu and others also spoke in the meeting.
The speakers at the meeting demanded simplification of license or clearance, more development of the communication system, bringing all tourism in the country under the license and government funding system for training of tourist guides.
