Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday said the government has taken short, medium and long-term plans to develop the tourism sector in line with growing demand.
“The government is formulating specific short, medium and long- term action plans to implement tourism-related commitments outlined in the election manifesto, in line with the country’s socio-economic conditions and the growing demand from both local and international tourists,” he said.
The Prime Minister made the remarks while replying to a tabled question from treasury bench MP Dewan Mohammad Salah Uddin (Dhaka-19) during the question-answer session in Parliament.
He said a draft of the ‘National Tourism Master Plan’ has already been prepared.
The Prime Minister said the plan includes the formulation of laws, policies and codes of conduct related to the tourism sector, development of tourism clusters, preservation of local heritage, infrastructure development, and expansion of coastal tourism.
He said it also outlines measures for biodiversity conservation, reduction of carbon emissions and tackling climate change.
“Overall, the master plan presents an integrated initiative and strategic roadmap for the development of the country’s tourism industry over the next two decades.”
The Prime Minister said the government’s election manifesto includes five key commitments related to tourism.
“These include ensuring safety and security for tourists and formulating tourism-friendly policies, developing and training tour guides, promoting culinary tourism, expanding community, ethnic and water-based tourism, and developing eco-tourism and rural tourism,” he said.
Tarique said there are now recognised and attractive tourist destinations in more than 30 districts across the country.
“To ensure balanced tourism development and expand tourism facilities across the country, steps have been taken to promote tourism based on local heritage and culture, taking into account the potential of each district,” he said.
The parliamentary session began around 11:00 am, with Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed in the chair, after a 30-minute delay due to a microphone problem.
Four questions were listed for the Prime Minister during the session.