Major tourist destinations of Asia – Maldives, China, Sri Lanka and Bhutan – have made special offers for Bangladeshi tourists at a fair in Dhaka organised to open up a new window of tourism through regional connectivity.
The 11th edition of Asian Tourism Fair (ATF) wrapped up on Saturday attracting a large crowd of travel enthusiasts at International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB) in Dhaka.
In addition to Bangladeshi tourism groups, several travel groups from Philippines, Vietnam and Singapore are offering discounts for the tourists at the event.
A delegation representing Maldives at the fair comprises 37 representatives from 23 industry partners is promoting leisure and affordable luxury travel among Asian countries, particularly Bangladesh, to the archipelagic state in the Indian Ocean.
Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Cooperation (MMPRC) in collaboration with the National Hotel and Guest House Association and the Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators showcased offerings of their country.
MMPRC Managing Director Ibrahim Shiuree said ATF Dhaka offers an exceptional opportunity to engage with the Asian tourism bodies and promote the unique offerings of the Maldives.
“We are committed to expanding our reach in this promising market, showcasing the Maldives as a top-notch destination for travellers seeking unparalleled beauty and world-class hospitality,” he said.
Maldives National Hotels and Guesthouses Association Vice President Sameeu Imad, and Hassan Shiyaz of Ostrov Maldives and Ahmed Shahudh of V Travels shared some insightful data regarding the tourism in the Islands.
“Maldives now focuses on community tourism to strengthen people to people connectivity through sharing respective livings, culture and traditions,” Sameeu Imad told the Daily Sun.
China took part in the fair with a title of “Ni Hao” that means welcome. At the China stall, some booklets were found with guidance to roam around the East Asian country at affordable costs.
A participant at the stall gave a tourist map of China that replicates major destinations for travelling to experience the natural and historical infrastructure of the country with a rich tradition of 5000-year history of civilisation.
From conquering the Great Wall to exploring Beijing’s Forbidden City, a traveller can also check out Phuong Hoang ancient town or Shanghai Bund, the “hottest” spot for coordinating tourists.
For many Bangladeshis, Kunming of Yunnan province is the entry point to explore the inner natural beauty of China.
Sri Lankan Airlines has offered special packages for Bangladeshis including Dhaka-Colombo return tickets at Tk38,719 per person. The offer will continue till 28 February next year.
For Bangladeshi tourists, Bhutan has reduced the Sustainable Development Fees (SDF) to US$15 from $100 per person per night.
Bhutan Hotels and Restaurants (BHR) participated in the Asian Tourism Fair in Dhaka to attract tourists with attractive packages.
BHR Executive Director Chencho Tshering said that Bangladesh is a potential territory for Bhutan to have tourists who want to explore the peaceful generic beauty of nature. “Bhutan is not a high-cost destination now. For Bangladeshis, the SDF is now $15. It’s a move to increase the connectivity between the peoples of the two countries,” Tshering said.
The three-day fair was organised by the Tourism journal Parjatan Bichitra in collaboration with the Bangladesh Tourism Corporation, Bangladesh Tourism Board, and Bangladesh Tourist Police, under the overall guidance of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism.
