Govt forms National Tourism Council

The government has formed a National Tourism Council to ensure sustainable and coordinated development of the country’s tourism industry.

The Cabinet Division recently issued a gazette notification in this regard.

The council headed by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman includes LGRD Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman, Environment Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo, Minister of Cultural Affairs Nitai Roy Chowdhury, Land Minister Md Mizanur Rahman Minu, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam, Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir, Minister of Water Resources Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee, Minister of Chattogram Hill Tracts Affairs Dipen Dewan and Shipping Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam as members.

M Rashiduzzaman Millat, state minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism, will also serve as a member, while the secretary of the same ministry will act as member-secretary of the council.

According to the notification, the council will be responsible for supervising, coordinating and providing policy direction for the implementation of tourism development plans.

It will also provide advice on the expansion of the tourism sector at national, regional and international levels.

The body will formulate policy decisions related to tourism laws and administrative measures, determine strategies to attract domestic and foreign investment, and strengthen coordination among relevant ministries.

It will also guide public-private partnerships for the development of the sector.

The council will also review and approve recommendations of other tourism-related committees and monitor the progress of implementing election pledges related to the sector.

It will have the authority to take decisions on any important matters when necessary.

The notification said council meetings will be held as required, and new members may be co-opted if needed.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism will provide secretarial and administrative support to the council.