Photo: Ministry

DHAKA, July 23, 2026 (BSS) - The government has taken an initiative to celebrate World Tourism Day across the country through extensive programmes aimed at showcasing Bangladesh’s tourism, culture and culinary heritage to the international community.

The programmes will be organised under this year’s theme, “Tourism of the Future through Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence.”

The plans were discussed at a preparatory meeting held at the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism at the Bangladesh Secretariat here today, according to a ministry press release.

Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam, MP, and State Minister M. Rashiduzzaman Millat, MP, attended the meeting.

“This year, we want to celebrate World Tourism Day across the country with great enthusiasm through a wide range of programmes,” Afroza Khanam said.

She said exhibitions featuring Bangladesh’s traditional heritage and culture would be organised as part of efforts to promote the country’s tourism attractions on the global stage.

The minister also directed the authorities concerned to make necessary arrangements for simultaneous celebrations at the district level across the country.

“We want to use this year’s programmes to showcase Bangladesh’s tourism to the world,” she said, seeking cooperation from private-sector stakeholders in the tourism industry to make the initiative successful.

State Minister Millat said television commercials (TVCs) prepared by the Bangladesh Tourism Board would be displayed at major public places with high footfall across the country as part of the celebrations.

He said live cooking shows and culinary competitions would also be organised in honour of guests from foreign embassies to showcase Bangladesh’s rich and diverse culinary heritage to an international audience.

Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry Secretary Fahmida Akhtar, ndc, along with senior officials of the ministry and its subordinate organisations, attended the meeting.

World Tourism Day is observed globally on September 27 every year to raise awareness about tourism’s social, cultural, political and economic importance.