Prime Minister Tarique Rahman stated that transforming Bangladesh’s tourism industry into a modern, technology-driven, eco-friendly, and world-class sector is one of the top priorities of the government’s development plans.

He made this remark in a message issued on Saturday (September 26) on the occasion of 'World Tourism Day 2026', observed on Sunday (September 27).

The Prime Minister said that tourism is not merely an opportunity for leisure; it is a vital medium for employment generation, foreign exchange earnings, local economic development, and showcasing our history, heritage, culture, and natural beauty to the world.

Therefore, elevating Bangladesh’s tourism industry to a modern, technology-driven, eco-friendly, and world-class standard remains a key priority in our development agenda, he added.

With this goal in mind, he extended his sincere greetings and congratulations to all individuals and institutions associated with the tourism sector, investors, tourism professionals, entrepreneurs, domestic and international tourists, and tourism enthusiasts across the country on the occasion of World Tourism Day 2026.

This year’s World Tourism Day theme—“Tourism and Digital Transformation” (or “Future Tourism Enabled by Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence”)—highlights the roadmap for the future transformation of tourism.

Artificial intelligence, big data, and smart technologies can make tourism services more comprehensive, accessible, secure, and personalized, while also creating new employment opportunities.

Noting that the election manifesto of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) pledged to develop tourism as a modern and land-efficient service sector, Tarique Rahman said that the current government is actively implementing all of its commitments by placing special emphasis on formulating a National Tourism Master Plan, modernizing necessary laws and policies, and undertaking structural reforms in tourism management.

As part of these efforts, he mentioned that tourism clusters are being established in over 30 districts to showcase the country's unique history, culture, and heritage.

Additionally, local communities are being integrated into the tourism economy through the development of community-based, eco, rural, culinary, river, and coastal tourism.

Activities to build modern hotels, entertainment centers, and tourist attractions through public-private partnerships are currently underway.

Policy support and simplified loan facilities have also been expanded for small and medium-scale tourism businesses and new tourism startups.

The Prime Minister stated that to expand international tourism, the government aims to establish a comprehensive national aviation network by 2034, transforming Bangladesh into a vital aviation hub for South and Southeast Asia.

Improved connectivity will make travel easier for international tourists.

Optimal use of limited land is also being ensured through the expansion of low-land-dependent service sectors, including high-value-added hotels, restaurants, and entertainment centers.

He expressed hope that the implementation of these initiatives will contribute to the national goal of building a one-trillion-dollar economy by 2034.

At the same time, digital connectivity will open new doors of possibility for women, youth, and small entrepreneurs.

The growth of tourism must remain compatible with environmental and heritage preservation, he stressed, noting that importance is being placed on biodiversity protection, waste management, and carbon emission reduction in coastal and natural tourism.

Through the joint efforts of the government, private sector, local communities, and the youth, we want to build Bangladesh as a safe, sustainable, tech-driven, and world-class tourism destination, he added.

Finally, the Prime Minister wished all programs undertaken for "World Tourism Day 2026" grand success.