Tourism and Security

This is the year that Bangladesh is to begin the tourism campaign- 'Visit Bangladesh Year 2016'. How is it progressing? 

We have received approval to conduct our 'Visit Bangladesh' campaign for three years – 2016, 2017 and 2018. The Prime Minister has inaugurated it on last 27 October, 2015 at the Buddhist Conference. So, we were going forward according to that. But our main challenge is the fund, which was promised to be given to us by the government. It's now in the final stage, and we hope we will have it soon. In that sense, we could not progress according to our plan. 

But, except this we have done our different campaigns, stakeholder engagement, consultation with media and different stake holders, community awareness and other regular activities using our regular budget. Also, our tour operators, port allies, different ministries' of Bangladesh government, different agencies had finalised some international events. But the recent two tragedies have created an image of crisis and the international organisers have already cancelled two events. Another is also uncertain.

Have you taken any measures to overcome this dire situation?

Yes, we are trying to overcome the situation basically in two folds. We are dealing with our international image of crisis and developing awareness inside our country.

Our main season is from September to February. The political turmoil and fluctuation in 2013-14 has disturbed the free flow of tourism, which has become an issue in different foreign countries and media. We were very hopeful this year. But the recent tragedies have hampered our industry again. 

Meanwhile, along with our government, we have addressed the situation immediately, sent condolence messages to them and they showed their solitude in return. We will attend an international fair by the Japan Association of Travel Agents in Japan which will be held from 22-25 September. Along with our traditional brochures and leaflets, we have decided to highlight our apology that this is not Bangladesh, it was very uncertain, a part of global terrorism and we all are resisting.

Also, we will arrange talks with the people who had come to Bangladesh and worked in different forums, to present their views about Bangladesh.

Inside Bangladesh, we are talking to young students from tourism and hospitality departments of different universities and discussing their thoughts on tourism. Apart from these, we have done our eco guide training at Sundarbans, involved our local governments, and created awareness with the local community and journalists about the endangered environments.

Interviewed by NILIMA JAHAN