President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir stated that the government is currently formulating a comprehensive "National Tourism Master Plan" that incorporates 1,498 tourist attractions across the country.

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 President said that the current government is committed to advancing the tourism sector in a long-term, sustainable, and well-planned manner.

To achieve this objective, work is underway on an integrated National Tourism Master Plan encompassing 1,498 tourist attractions.

Initiatives have also been undertaken to create local tradition- and culture-based tourism facilities by evaluating the tourism potential of each district, he added.

The President expressed his delight in knowing that Bangladesh, alongside the rest of the world, is observing World Tourism Day 2026 through initiatives led by the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism.

He noted that endowed with boundless natural beauty, Bangladesh holds immense potential in its tourism sector.

From the long sea beach of Cox's Bazar, the vast mangrove forest of the Sundarbans, the tea gardens of Sylhet, Saint Martin's Island, Sajek Valley in Bandarban, Nilgiri, Nilachal, Kaptai Lake in Rangamati, the mountain streams of Jaflong, the Shaat Gambuj Mosque in Bagerhat, vast wetland haors, green hills, Buddhist monasteries, countless rivers, and lush crop fields, combined with the shifting beauty of six seasons, warm hospitality, and a rich culture and heritage, Bangladesh stands out as a unique destination for travelers.

The tourism sector serves as a powerful catalyst for economic and infrastructural development, job creation, and poverty reduction, he added.

Observing that the global tourism industry is constantly evolving alongside new innovations and technologies, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir stated that digital technology and artificial intelligence are transforming tourism frameworks, management, and service delivery worldwide—impacting everything from travel planning and information access to transportation and accommodation.

In this context, he noted that this year’s theme, “Tourism and Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence,” is both timely and significant.

He stated that alongside updating the National Tourism Policy and establishing modern tourism training institutes, plans are underway to develop eco-tourism and community-based tourism.

The implementation of the government's ongoing initiatives in the IT sector will further accelerate the digital transformation of tourism, he said.

Online booking, digital payments, and AI-driven information services will make Bangladesh's tourist destinations more accessible, safe, and attractive.

The President called upon all public and private stakeholders to come together to build a technology-driven tourism industry through the integration of tech and AI, positioning Bangladesh as one of the world's most appealing tourist destinations.

He concluded by stressing that the digital and sustainable transformation of the tourism industry, while preserving ecological balance and cultural heritage, should be our collective commitment.

Finally, he wished all programs organized for World Tourism Day 2026 complete success.