The fair will also serve as a “useful platform” for disseminating information for business shearing, exchange of cultural diversity, creating awareness for conservation of nature, culture and heritage, as well as inspire community tourism and help each other’s tourism destinations, said the organisers.

The 8th ATF, to be held at International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB), will remain open from 10am to 7pm from September 26 to 28.

State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry Mahbub Ali will inaugurate the event at 11am on Thursday. Tourism Secretary M Mohibul Haque and Bimstec Secretary General Shahidul Islam will be present.

Parjatan Bichitra, in support with Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, BIMSTIC Secretariat, Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation (BPC) and Bangladesh Tourism Board (BTB) will host the fair.

Chairman of the organising committee and editor of Parjatan Bichitra Mohiuddin Helal said around 150 exhibitors, including 50 foreign exhibitors from eight countries - Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, China, Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand are taking part this year in the fair.

There will be various packages, discounted prices and attractive offers, including air tickets, cruising, hotel bookings and package tours to travel at home and abroad, he said.

On the sidelines, tourism related seminars will be organised by Bimstec Secretariat and Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation.

On Thursday afternoon, there will be cultural performance by cultural troupes from Bangladesh, the Philippines and Indonesia.

Sponsoring airlines - Biman Bangladesh Airlines - will offer special discounted tickets on spot reservation basis.