3-day Asian Tourism Fair begins Sept 18 in Dhaka

The 12th Asian Tourism Fair (ATF) 2025 will begin here on September 18, coinciding with World Tourism Day celebrations, to showcase Bangladesh's tourism potential and bring together domestic and international stakeholders under one roof.

A total of 180 tourism-related organisations from home and abroad - including government tourism bodies, private sector companies, and foreign embassies and missions based in Dhaka - are set to participate in the three-day event across two halls at the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB).

ATF Chairman Mahbubul Helal announced the details at a press conference held at a city hotel today. 

Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation (BPC) Chairman Syma Shahin Sultana attended as the chief discussant.

Highlighting the objectives, Helal said the fair has been designed to represent every segment of the tourism industry, ranging from hotels, resorts, cruises, and airlines to banks, tour operators, travel agencies, and service providers, while projecting Bangladesh as an emerging global tourism destination.

The fair will remain open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and will feature a wide range of programmes, including children's art competitions, B2B sessions, destination presentations, product demonstrations, and cultural performances.

In addition, a "Bangladesh Tourism Investment Showcase" will be held alongside the fair to highlight new opportunities for investment in the sector.

Speakers at the press conference said Bangladesh's scenic beauty and rich cultural heritage could attract more international tourists if supported by sustainable development and improved infrastructure. 

They also noted that the government, in collaboration with the private sector, is prioritising tourism-friendly policies and international partnerships to strengthen the industry.

BPC Chairman Syma Shahin Sultana said the ATF has grown into a key tourism platform in Bangladesh, adding that this year's edition will further enhance the country's global tourism footprint ahead of the peak season, reports BSS.