Country's travel sector undergoing digital transformation

Dhaka : Bangladesh's travel and tourism industry is undergoing a profound digital transformation as consumers increasingly shift from traditional travel agencies to online booking platforms, according to SM Moniruzzaman, CEO of Roaming Bangladesh.

Talking to The Bangladesh Monitor, Moniruzzaman said, the rise of Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) reflects a broader modernization of the country's service economy, driven by changing consumer behavior, growing purchasing power, and rapid technological adoption.

"The market has moved beyond its infancy," he said. "Consumer demand is strong, digital infrastructure is improving, and technology adoption continues to accelerate."

According to Moniruzzaman, the growth of the OTA market is being fueled by the expansion of Bangladesh's middle and affluent class, alongside a young population increasingly dominated by Millennials and Gen Z travelers. These consumers prefer convenience, flexibility, and digital-first services when planning trips.

The widespread adoption of smartphones and internet connectivity has further accelerated this shift. At the same time, the growth of mobile financial services such as bKash and Nagad, along with increased card usage, has made online travel transactions faster and more accessible.

SM Moniruzzaman

Moniruzzaman identified four key growth pillars for online travel platforms: aviation and intelligent ticketing, domestic hotel digitalization, experiential tourism, and corporate travel management.

He noted that while flight bookings remain the primary revenue source for most OTAs, the sector is evolving beyond simple ticket sales. Direct integrations with airlines and global distribution systems are enabling features such as predictive pricing, automated refunds, and self-service booking modifications.

The Chief Executive also highlighted significant opportunities in Bangladesh's accommodation sector. While many hotels in major destinations such as Cox's Bazar and Sylhet are already connected to digital platforms, a large number of properties in secondary destinations remain offline.

Moniruzzaman added that traveler preferences are also changing, with increasing demand for experience-driven tourism. Destinations such as Sajek Valley, the Sundarbans, and Tanguar Haor are attracting visitors seeking curated eco-tourism and adventure experiences.

He said, OTAs that can combine accommodation, transport, local activities, and trusted guides into seamless digital packages are likely to capture higher-value market segments.

Another promising area is corporate travel management. According to Moniruzzaman, many companies in Bangladesh still rely on manual processes for travel bookings and expense management. Digital platforms offering integrated dashboards, real-time expense tracking, and consolidated billing can help businesses improve efficiency and reduce administrative costs.

Despite the sector's strong growth prospects, Moniruzzaman acknowledged several challenges. He pointed to a persistent trust deficit among some travelers, particularly for high-value international bookings, where concerns over hidden charges, cancellation policies, and booking errors remain common.

He also cited inventory fragmentation as a major obstacle, noting that many regional hotels and domestic transport operators continue to operate offline, making integration into digital platforms both complex and costly.