[🇧🇩] Bangladesh Tourism

[Bilal9]

PM wants ShareTrip to emerge as global travel brand​

Published: July 14, 2026 | 10:57 PM

2 min read

Dhaka: Prime Minister Tarek Rahman has pledged government backing to help ShareTrip, the country's leading homegrown travel-tech platform, grow into a globally recognized brand, saying policy support would be extended to help local startups expand abroad.

He made the remarks on July 14 as chief guest at the "Youth, Startups and the Bangladesh of Opportunities" event, organized by the ICT Division at the University of Dhaka.

The Prime Minister said a national startup policy is being prepared and that steps are underway to let Bangladeshi diplomatic missions abroad actively support companies seeking overseas expansion.

Speaking about ShareTrip specifically, he said, "We want to take this company to the global stage. ShareTrip has worked hard and deserves it."

He added that a successful global push by ShareTrip could pave the way for similar backing to be extended to other Bangladeshi startups and tech firms.

Observers see the comments as a strong government endorsement of the country's expanding travel-tech sector and part of a wider push to diversify exports and strengthen digital services.

ICT Adviser Rehan Asad said he had suggested ShareTrip focus its expansion efforts on the Middle East, calling it the region with the most promising growth prospects for Bangladeshi travel-tech firms.

ShareTrip Co-Founder and CEO Sadia Haque also spoke at the event, walking attendees through the company's growth story and outlining policy changes she believes are needed to help Bangladeshi tech firms compete globally.

Haque said startups need more than capital to thrive, pointing to the importance of supportive regulation and an ecosystem that treats young companies as partners rather than rivals.

She also called on the government to introduce a comprehensive national startups and innovation policy and proposed formal recognition of local online travel agencies along with a streamlined e-visa system to support tourism.

Launched in 2019, ShareTrip has grown into the country's largest homegrown travel-tech company, with a user base exceeding 2.7 million. It is also one of the few travel platforms worldwide with direct integration into Saudi Arabia's Nusuk system, run under the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.

The company counts Japan's Marubeni Corporation and state-backed Startup Bangladesh Limited among its investors.

Industry stakeholders say the Prime Minister's public support for ShareTrip could boost investor sentiment toward Bangladesh's digital travel space, and that follow-through on policy reform and overseas-expansion assistance would help local travel-tech firms build a stronger footprint across regional and global markets.

 

[Bilal9]

PM outlines plans to boost Bangladesh's tourism sector​

Published: July 15, 2026 | 02:21 PM

3 min read

Dhaka: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said the government considers tourism a central pillar for driving economic growth, creating jobs, and reducing poverty in Bangladesh, adding that authorities are drafting a long-term Tourism Master Plan to make the sector sustainable and better connected to the mainstream economy.

He said the upcoming master plan, based on the government's specific electoral pledges, will serve as the foundation for prioritizing and implementing future development projects. Simultaneously, work is progressing to update the National Tourism Policy to keep pace with shifting global trends.

The Prime Minister added that the Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation is working across the country to upgrade tourism infrastructure, expand facilities, and identify new destinations for visitors.

He made the comments on July 15 while answering a question from Cox's Bazar-3 Member of Parliament Lutfur Rahman during the 25th sitting of parliament's ongoing budget session.

The Prime Minister said the government has taken steps to transform Cox's Bazar into a world-class tourist destination, with international-standard tourism facilities planned on 132.44 acres of Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation land under a public-private partnership (PPP) model.

Alongside this, construction is underway on a modern Tourism Training Institute at the Motel Laboni compound in Cox's Bazar, intended to build a skilled, international-standard workforce for the tourism and hospitality industry.

He noted that plans for international-standard hotels on Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation land in Cox's Bazar, Sylhet, and Khulna have moved forward significantly, with demand and feasibility studies already completed by Dhaka University's Institute of Business Administration (IBA) through the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA).

The Prime Minister said new Tourist Information Centers have opened at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport and at Benapole, the nation's largest land port, to assist domestic and international travelers.

LED information boards are also being installed at major airports, land ports, and railway stations nationwide to make tourism-related information more accessible.

To keep visitors safe, volunteer teams have been deployed at popular tourist spots, and CCTV coverage is being expanded at these locations, the Prime Minister said, adding that feasibility studies for additional projects are ongoing, while virtual tours are also being prepared to promote the country's attractions to audiences abroad.

The government is working to create a more investment-friendly environment for both local and foreign investors in tourism, offering policy support to entrepreneurs while pushing major projects forward through public-private partnerships (PPP).

The Prime Minister added that efforts have also been intensified to promote eco-tourism, community-based tourism, and heritage and cultural tourism, alongside digital campaigns to strengthen Bangladesh's tourism brand internationally.

Participation in global tourism fairs and organized familiarization trips are also helping introduce the country's tourism offerings to audiences overseas, he said.

On improving service standards, the Prime Minister said the government regularly runs specialized training for tour operators, tourism entrepreneurs, amusement park staff, accommodation providers, and transport workers. Field-level training is also being offered to support community tourism, ethnic tourism, and water-based tourism, he said.

The National Hotel and Tourism Training Institute, run under Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation, remains the country's leading body for training tourism professionals. It currently offers programs such as a Diploma in Hotel Management, Tourism and Hospitality Management, Professional Chef Training, Front Office Operations, Housekeeping, and Food and Beverage Service.

The Prime Minister said the government has also launched an initiative to professionalize tour guiding, training guides specifically for archaeological, ethnic, and ecotourism sites. Under this program, the Parjatan Corporation trained 101 participants in May 2026.

He concluded by saying the government is coordinating closely with all relevant institutions to transform the country’s tourism sector into a modern, technology-driven, and foreign exchange-earning industry.

 

[Saif]

Tourism for development of creative economy in Bangladesh

Creative economy means the development of products and services through the merit, creativity, imagination, and innovation capacity of the people, blending their values, beliefs, and willingness for the well-being of humans. This economic sector is contributing US$ 2 trillion to the global economy

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Tourism for development of creative economy in Bangladesh

Creative economy means the development of products and services through the merit, creativity, imagination, and innovation capacity of the people, blending their values, beliefs, and willingness for the well-being of humans. This economic sector is contributing US$ 2 trillion to the global economy and is accountable for 5 crore global jobs. Our neighbouring countries, such as India (2.5 per cent), Indonesia (7.28 per cent), and the Philippines (7.34 per cent), have contributed to their GDP through the creative economy.

The common examples of creative economic activities are folk and traditional song, filmmaking, content creation, mobile games, YouTubing, local arts and crafts, traditional souvenirs, and traditional handicrafts. The main sectors for the creative economy are drama and film, song and performing arts, fashion and design, graphics and digital design, advertising, books and publications, photography, interior design, sports and entertainment, digital content, printing and sculpture, folk art and craft, and tourism activities.

The Government of Bangladesh (GOB) has allocated a special fund of Tk. 300 crores in the national budget of the 2026-2027 fiscal year for creative economy development in the country. This special allocation will be spent for digital service, entrepreneurship development, export facilitation in creative products, establishing creative zones and hubs, and a creative skill development programme based on arts, culture, and technology. The GOB has targeted that creative economy will contribute 1.5 per cent to GDP through diversification of the economy, new employment opportunities, and earning foreign currency. National Creative Centre (Creative Hub) and Shilpokola Academy of every district and upazila will take necessary initiatives according to government instructions in this regard. Moreover, the GOB will establish the 'Bangladesh Creative Development Authority' for promoting and highlighting the creative economy as well as special branding of the country.

Creative tourism needs to develop new concepts in ecotourism, cultural tourism, heritage tourism, festival tourism, and archeological tourism through innovation, creativity, and tangible and intangible contents. This tourism development involves the wider value chain network among the relevant stakeholders rather than a limited scope of collaboration. It gives experience in new technology, creative content, developing new products, as well as creative lifestyles. Linking tourism and creative industries through innovation, creative experiences, and collaborative support can make a significant contribution to the development of the creative economy. The government can play a vital role in creative tourism in terms of tourism cluster development, supporting introducing new products and services, enhancing innovation in networking, and creative entrepreneurship development. The tourism stakeholders support in skill and knowledge development for creative content development and displays on different platforms for creative tourism promotion. Tourists also share their creative experiences with others for flourishing and enhancing creative tourism development.

The GOB has identified tourism as a significant sector for creative economy development in the country. Several tourism segments, such as ecotourism, cultural tourism, heritage tourism, festival tourism, and archeological tourism have been selected as potential contributing tools for the creative economy. Special attention will be given to develop cultural tourism through highlighting tangible and intangible heritages, archeological treasures, and preparing the 'National Festival Calendar'. The GOB will promote potters, weaving shitalpati, prepare wood toys, ornaments, and terracotta, and other rural products to attract tourists under the 'One village one product' initiative.

Several challenges remain to the effective contribution of tourism to the development of the creative economy in Bangladesh. Firstly, lack of policy initiatives, proper regulation, accurate statistics, and coordination among the related government organisations. Secondly, necessary financing, investment opportunities, loan facilities, venture capital, and creative funds are absent to support the entrepreneurs. Thirdly, effective branding of the country is essential for creative tourism development. Moreover, proper marketing strategies and copyright trade are also important in this regard. Fourthly, a weak supply chain network and lack of creative infrastructure such as studios, lab facilities, and digital platform utilisation are creating challenges to creative tourism development. Fifthly, Bangladesh needs trained and qualified human resources for developing creative tourism in the country.

Bangladesh Tourism Board (BTB) would be included in the development of creative economy-related tourism segments in its upcoming 'Tourism Master Plan' for effective policy formulation and implementation of necessary initiatives. Moreover, this national tourism organisation is branding Bangladesh as a hub of creative tourism for tourists from home and abroad. Furthermore, BTB can take initiatives to build the capacity of tourism stakeholders for segment-based tourism development to contribute to the creative economy. The collaboration efforts between tourism administrations, regional authorities, and tourism stakeholders can ensure proper implementation of creative tourism development initiatives.

Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) is the government organisation for seeking and facilitating investment in the country from home and abroad. The authority can formulate specific policies and strategies on the development and utilisation of growth opportunities in creative tourism. BIDA can prioritise the necessary initiatives for attracting local and international investments in creative tourism.

ICT Division is the concerned government authority for building a developed Bangladesh through prioritised technical support, broader application and use of ICT at all levels of the country. This division can connect the creative activities through digital platforms and online tools for creative tourism development and properly brand them. The government authority should be facilitated by creative marketing campaign for creative tourism content and experiences by using modern technologies. This authority can connect various creative tourism value chain activities by applying effective technologies and delivering them in digital media.

The National University is the largest affiliating authority of higher education in Bangladesh providing quality education to about 4 million students under around 2300 educational institutions, which is 70 per cent of higher education in the country. The university made an ICT course compulsory to increase the technical efficiency of the students and prepare them for the job market. Moreover, the university established multi language learning institute to teach the students a third language. Again, the university aims to produce 5,000 freelancers annually, using the resources and facilities of NU. Along these initiatives, the university can include tourism and hospitality-related courses in all degree-level curricula to increase the abilities of students towards creativity and innovation.

The GOB can arrange start-up funding for the entrepreneurs of creative tourism with financial support from development partners such as the World Bank, ADB, and other international organisations. The GOB also influences the private and financial institutions for monetary support in creative tourism development. Finally, the national strategy and policy framework should harmonise the creative tourism development in the country to contribute to GDP, employment generation, and sustainable development.

Dr. Md. Anowar Hossain Bhuiyan is an associate professor and deputy director of the Innovation and Sustainability Lab (ISL) at National University, Bangladesh.

Manzuma Sharmin Munne is a lecturer and member of the operational body of the Innovation and Sustainability Lab (ISL) at National University, Bangladesh.​

 

[Saif]

https://www.newagebd.net/post/Economy/266961/sylhet-tourist-spots-bustle-with-visitors

Sylhet tourist spots bustle with visitors
Zaman Monir . Sylhet 10 June, 2025, 23:01

Tourists visit Jaflong valley in Sylhet on Monday during the ongoing Eid-ul-Azha holidays. | Zaman Monir

Tourist spots in the Sylhet region have been experiencing a record number of visitors during the ongoing 10-day public holiday to celebrate the Eid-ul-Azha, the second largest religious festival of Muslims, which began June 5.

Tourism related business persons, including owners of hotels, motels and resorts, in Sylhet city as well as in the district towns of Moulvibazar, Habiganj and Sunamganj, told New Age that highest number of tourists is expected this time to visit Sylhet for spending the vacation and enjoying the Eid pleasure.

Stating Sylhet region really amazing and unique destination to the tourists from all over the country, they said that the scenario of hillocks with vast valleys of green tea gardens easily captures the attention of visitors.

The Sylhet metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s former president Afzal Rashid Chowdhury, told New Age that visitors flock to the scenic spots of Sylhet region during different public holidays, but this time the number of visitors is much higher because of the long duration of Eid vacation, they said.

He said that they were expecting that the number of tourists to Sylhet region would exceed one million during this Eid vacation till June 14.

‘When the crowd of tourists goes higher, every single person involved in the tourism industry is benefited. From hoteliers, restaurant owners, transport owners and drivers, boatmen to grocery store owners and local products sellers, everyone,’ Afzal, also an hotelier, said.

‘So, we should serve and assist travelers sincerely. In particular, their satisfaction and safety should be prioritised,’ he added.

Apart from hilly areas of tea estates, Jaflong, Sada Pathar, Lalakhal, Sreepur, Ratargul, Pangtumai, Mayabati Jharna, Jaintia Devir Rajbari, Dibir Haor, Bichhanakandi, Lobachhara, Madhabkund and Hamham waterfalls, Shreemanagal, Lauwa Chhara National Forest, Satchhari National Forest, Tanguar Haor and Himadri Lake are among the attractive tourist spots in the division.

Besides, Raja Gaur Gobinda Hillock, Shrines of Hazrat Shahjalal ® and Hazrat Shahparan ® also remain in the priority list of the tourists coming from the capital city Dhaka and elsewhere in the country.

M Naser Rahman, owner of the 5 star standard DuSai Resort & Spa in Moulvibazar, told New Age on Monday that his resort is absolutely packed with guests till June 13.

‘This is not only the case of my guesthouse, but in all the guesthouses in Moulvibazar. All of the hotels and guesthouses are houseful,’ he commented.

Mintu Das, general manager of a hotel at East Zindabazar in Sylhet city, told New Age on Sunday that 100 per cent of rooms of all guesthouses, including hotels, motels and resorts, had been booked before the beginning of the holiday.

Sylhet Hotel, Motel and Guest House Owners’ Association general secretary GM Kibria told New Age that the number of visitors is much higher this time than any other holiday.

Babul Ahmed, manager of Green View Resort at Guchchagram area of Jaflong, told New Age that this time, all the rooms were booked around two weeks in advance because of the long holiday.

‘As a result, many people have been called us over phone. We have no way but to turn them away,’ he said.

Sazzad Kadir, a government service holder, who came to Jaflong along with her family from Dhaka, told New Age on Sunday afternoon that they had to spend the year into huge workload.

‘This long Eid vacation was like a golden opportunity for us. So, I have come to Sylhet with my family to spend some time in touch of nature,’ he said.

Shabnam Akter, a teacher of reputed educational institute at Dhanmondi area in Dhaka, told New Age that they did not book any guesthouse before coming in Sylhet.

‘We reached Sylhet Sunday evening, but we had to stroll around a number of hotels and guesthouse until late at night to find a double room,’ Shabnam said.

She said that they even felt happy after they succeeded to rent a room for three days.

Talking to New Age, Sylhet Hotel, Motel and Guesthouse Owners’ Association general secretary Golam Kibria said that the decision of sudden closure of a tourist spot and the spread of rumors of early flash flood have discouraged some tourists.

‘The number of tourists would be higher this time, otherwise,’ he claimed.

Kibria, also owner of a business class lodge Hotel Valley Garden, said that when it rains, low-lying areas are flooded instantly, which is natural for Sylhet.

Sylhet deputy commissioner Mohammad Sher Mahbub Murad told New Age that the administration has already strengthened its activities at the tourist spots.

‘Tourist police, traffic control team and medical support systems have been kept active to ensure safety and travel facilities for the visitors during the Eid vacation,’ he said.

Tourist Police’s Sylhet Zone additional superintendent Md Motiur Rahman told that all kinds of measures were taken to ensure the overall safety of travelers.

‘Help desks have been opened at the prime tourist centres in the region so that the travelers can contact us immediately in case of any necessity,’ he added.​

 

[Saif]

https://www.newagebd.net/post/travel/266844/sylhets-7-best-tourist-spots-for-nature-lovers

Sylhet’s 7 best tourist spots for nature lovers
United News of Bangladesh . Sylhet 07 June, 2025, 20:40

Four tourist spots in Sylhet. | UNB photo

Sylhet, a paradise of natural beauty, offers boundless attractions for travelers.

Its high and low hills, lush tea gardens, and clear waters flowing over stone beds instantly captivate visitors.

In addition to these scenic natural spots, Sylhet city itself boasts numerous attractions, including Keane Bridge, Ali Amjad's clock, Chandni Ghat stairs, shrines of Hazrat Shahjalal (RA) and Shah Paran (RA), Khadimnagar National Park, Shahi Eidgah, and Gour Govinda's mound.

Sada Pathor: About 35 km from Sylhet city in Bholaganj offers a mesmerizing landscape of white stones, clear blue waters, and clouds embracing the mountains. The waterfall’s cool waters flow into the Dhalai River, creating a stunning view of green mountains and blue waters.

Ratargul: Known as the country's only freshwater swamp forest, Ratargul is a lush, green sanctuary submerged 4 to 7 months a year, with 73 plant species.

The best time to visit is during the rainy season when boating through this water forest offers an unforgettable experience.

Jaflong: Situated at the foot of the Khasi-Jainta hills near the Meghalaya border, Jaflong features layered stone piles along the Piyain River and offers views of neighboring landscapes. Nearby attractions include the Sreepur Tea Garden and Ecopark.

Rangpani: Located about 54 km from Sylhet city in Mokampunji, Rangpani is renowned for mountain waterfalls, white stone formations and betel plantations.

During the tour, visitors will also experience the Khasia village Mokampunji that have inhabited the area since ancient times.

Utmachara: Companiganj's Utmachara presents rows of hills, flowing mountain streams, and scattered stones under a clear blue sky, offering cool, refreshing scenery.

Lalakhal: Lalakhal is situated in Bangladesh, just below Cherrapunji in India, and is renowned for its striking blue waters.

The river features numerous bends and flows alongside the Sari Gowain river, creating scenic vistas. Its banks are lined with hilly forests, tea gardens, and diverse plant species, and it is located in Kanaighat upazila of Sylhet.

Lovachhara: Located in Lakshmi Prasad Union of Kanaighat, Lovachhara combines mountains, clouds, and river waters. It is famous for the confluence of the Surma and Lova rivers, tea gardens, waterfalls, hanging bridges, Khasia villages, Mughal-era relics, ancient ponds, stone quarries, and social forestry.

The area’s British-era Lovachhara Tea Garden spans approximately 1,839 acres on the banks of the Lova River, adjacent to Lalakhal Tea Garden.

This Eid, Sylhet promises a rich tapestry of natural and cultural attractions for all visitors to explore and enjoy.​