The first ever Asian Tourism Fair 2011 (ATF-Dhaka) will begin at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Novo Theatre in the capital on September 29 to promote regional tourism.
The Parjatan Bichitra, a local tourism magazine, in collaboration with Bangladesh Tourism Board and the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism will arrange the three-day mega event that will end on October 1.
Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister GM Quader
Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister GM Quader formally announced the Asian Tourism Fair 2011 at a press conference at a local hotel yesterday.
Indonesian Ambassador to Bangladesh Zet Mirzal Zainuddin, Deputy Chief of Mission of Embassy of Nepal in Dhaka Krishna Chandra Aryal, Minister Consular of Sri Lankan Embassy in Dhaka AD Abhishekara, Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation Chairman Hemayet Uddin Talukdar, among others, spoke at the press conference.
Addressing the press conference, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister GM Quader said the tourism is a trillion-dollar business today and it is growing very fast across the world.
He said Bangladesh has great potential for tourism because of its geographical location and natural beauty and it may be a value destination for foreign tourists.
The Tourism Minister said the middle-east countries have been investing a lot of money in desert to promote tourism. “But why we do not invest in this sector by using natural resources?”
He urged the private sector to invest in this sector to promote country’s tourism as well as to attract the foreign tourists.
He also asked local media men to highlight positive aspects of the country other than reporting on the negative things only, for a better branding of the country worldwide.
“I request the media personalities present here not to report on negative things only, which depicts a negative image of the country abroad,” GM Kader urged journalists adding: “You should show some sense of responsibility in your reports for country’s positive branding.”
Mohiuddin Helal, Chief Coordinator of the fair, said it is the time now to showcase and exchange the natural and cultural diversity, the bond of traditions, the colors of livelihood, share the scenic beauty, contrasts of tribal life and attractions of Asian countries.
He said the fair will help develop tourism linkage among all Asian countries and it would strengthen immense relations among industry partners, service providers, travelers and general visitors.
The ATF-Dhaka 2011 would be a mega showcase for the regional tourism development by showcasing travel and tourism organisations like airlines, tour operators, travel agents, hotels, resorts, tourism institute and training centres and projects of tourism investment opportunities, hoped Helal.
News Source: The Daily Sun