Tour operators’ registration fees to be reduced: Millat
Dhaka: The government will take initiatives to reduce registration fees for tour operators and tour guides to simplify the registration process, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M. Rashiduzzaman Millat has said.
He made the announcement while speaking as the chief guest at the closing ceremony of the Bangladesh Travel and Tourism Fair (BTTF) 2026 at the Crowne Plaza Dhaka Airport on October 31.
The minister said collective efforts and effective partnerships between the public and private sectors were essential to ensure the sustainable growth and modernization of Bangladesh's tourism industry and strengthen its competitiveness internationally.
The government is working to develop tourism infrastructure, formulate investment-friendly policies, expand the use of technology, and improve the quality of tourism services, he added.
Held under the theme “AI-Powered Tourism, Sustainable Destinations," this year's fair was timely in the current global context, Millat said.
“Tourism is no longer limited to travel and leisure. It has become an important driver of economic growth, employment generation, cultural exchange, and stronger international relations,” he said.
He stressed the need to make effective use of artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and digital platforms to make tourism management easier, faster, and more efficient.
Technology should be used more extensively in managing tourist destinations, ensuring visitor safety, handling waste, protecting the environment, and providing emergency services, he said.
Such initiatives would improve tourists' experiences while enhancing transparency, efficiency, and the industry's international competitiveness, the minister added.
Welcoming international partners, Millat said the government was committed to strengthening cooperation in the global tourism sector.
He said initiatives had been taken to upgrade the country's aviation infrastructure, modernize digital services, and ensure safe and seamless travel for international tourists.
The minister also invited foreign investors and tourism industry stakeholders to invest in Bangladesh's tourism sector and experience the country's natural beauty and hospitality.
Regarding the registration of tour operators, the minister said the government would seriously consider recommendations and proposals submitted by industry representatives to amend the existing registration rules.
He said reducing the necessary fees would be considered to simplify the registration process.
“While safeguarding national interests, the government will take the necessary steps to facilitate the professional activities of tour operators and promote the growth of the tourism industry,” he said.
On the demand for special incentives for tour operators' foreign earnings, Millat said the issue would be raised with the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Planning and other relevant forums.
He added that the government would consider reviewing the relevant policies in light of the sector's potential to generate foreign earnings.
