PM receives Open Letter on Travel and Tourism

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday received an "Open Letter on Travel and Tourism" in recognition to Bangladesh`s tourism ability of boosting socioeconomic growth and creating employments.

Visiting United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Secretary General Taleb Rifai handed over the letter to the Prime Minister at her official Ganobhaban residence here this afternoon.

The letter, initiated by the UNWTO and World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), calls upon heads of state and government around the world to acknowledge tourism`s key role in socioeconomic growth and prioritizing the sector higher in national policies.

Briefing reporters after the meeting, PM`s Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim said they discussed various aspects of tourism in South and Southeast Asia.

Terming Bangladesh as part of international tourism, the UNWTO secretary general said tourism is good for mankind and increases employment opportunities as it is a labour-intensive industry.

In this connection, Taleb Rifai said despite economic recession across Europe during more than half a decade, the tourism played a crucial role in sustaining economy in the region.

Illustrating her government`s various initiatives for the promotion of tourism industry, the Prime Minister said her government would do more to develop tourism in the country.

In this connection, she sought support of the UNWTO on human resource development as well as beach management and special training in tourism.

Sheikh Hasina said the government is building necessary infrastructures for the promotion of tourism industry, while steps have been taken to ensure security for tourists.

Pointing out the introduction of recreation leave for government staff every three years, Sheikh Hasina said it is helping boost the number of domestic tourists in the country.

Afghan Minister of Information and Culture Abdul Bari Jahani, Bhutanese Minister of Economic Affairs Loynpo Norbu Wangchuk, Deputy Minister on Tourism of Cambodia Top Sopheak, Myanmar Deputy Minister for Hotel and Tourism Tin Shwe, Indian Secretary of Ministry of Tourism Vinod Zutshi, who are participating in the international conference on the Buddhist circuit here, were also present during the call on of the UNWTO secretary general.

Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Rashed Khan Menon, Prime Minister`s Adviser on International Affairs Dr Gowher Rizvi, Chairman of Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism Muhammad Faruk Khan and PM`s Principal Secretary Md Abul Kalam Azad were present.

The UNWTO secretary general arrived here on Monday to attend the two-day conference titled "Developing Sustainable and Inclusive Buddhist Heritage and Pilgrimage Circuits in South Asia`s Buddhist Heartland" that began in Dhaka today.

Thirteen Buddhist-populated countries are taking part in the conference to prepare an action-based roadmap to improve Buddhist tourism in Bangladesh.