Govt. targets doubling tourism GDP contribution: Afroza

The government today announced an ambitious plan to raise the tourism sector’s contribution to the national GDP to 6-7 percent from the current 3 percent as part of broader economic diversification efforts.

“We want to increase tourism’s contribution to the country’s GDP from the existing 3 percent to 6-7 percent,” Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam said while addressing the Deputy Commissioners’ Conference-2026 in the capital.

The first session of the day’s conference was held at Osmani Memorial Auditorium this morning with Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Ghani in the chair.

The minister said the government was committed to implementing its election pledges at the earliest possible time and expressed hope that deputy commissioners would play a leading role in accelerating grassroots development activities.

Afroza said Bangladesh currently has 1,742 tourism spots spread across the country, indicating that every district has tourism potential.

“We are formulating a comprehensive master plan for the development of the tourism sector. By utilizing your skills, experience and innovation, we will be able to take this sector forward,” she told the DCs.

She also drew attention of Culture Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury to the development of Baliati Palace and Teota Zamindar House in Manikganj to make the heritage sites more attractive to domestic and foreign tourists.

State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat said deputy commissioners could become agents of transformation in their respective areas by identifying new tourist destinations and ensuring clean, safe and visitor-friendly environment.

“A new tourism spot, a clean and secure environment, or an innovative initiative can transform the economy of an entire district,” he said.

He said Bangladesh’s journey toward securing a prominent place on the global tourism map would begin through local initiatives led by deputy commissioners.

Among others, State Minister for Culture Ali Newaz Mahmud Khaiyam, Prime Minister’s Cultural Affairs Adviser Dr. Zahed Ur Rahman and senior government officials were present.