Tourism sector businesspeople urged the government to simplify licence issuance process and develop communication system for development of the country's tourism industry - considering its existing potentials.
They also called upon the government for providing policy support to flourish the tourism sector along with fund for training of tourist guides.
They came up with the demands during the second meeting of the FBCCI's Standing Committee on Hotel, Motel, Resort and Guest House Development at the apex trade-body's office in the capital on Tuesday.
Expressing their utter disappointment, the sector insiders said the tourism sector is not on the list of the top-ten sectors of Bangladesh, even though it provides 100 per cent value addition to the country's economy along with payment of high value added tax (VAT) and other taxes.
They opined that the tourism sector would be on the top, if the government's policy support increases. Mentioning that the tourism industry in Bangladesh has developed, they noted that the development is still far behind compared to that of the neighbouring countries.
The businessmen also sought the government's support for national and international branding for development of the potential sector.
They also demanded bringing all the tourism sector stakeholders in the country under a licensing system.
Speaking as the chief guest, Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) Vice President Md. Amin Helaly said the tourism sector has made a lot of progress in the past years.
"Modern facilities, equipment and technology are being used in our hotels, motels and resorts, like the developed countries. But still the industry is facing lack of infrastructure, skilled manpower, and transport facilities."
He mentioned that the tourism business owners should emphasise on quality of service.
"The Seven Sisters of India could be a potential market for Bangladesh's tourism sector."
Mr Helaly urged all for taking integrated initiatives to tie up with the tourists of these Indian states.
FBCCI Vice President M A Momen informed that the trade-body is going to organise the Bangladesh Business Summit in March 2023 on the occasion of its 50 years of establishment.
International business communities, government officials from several countries, and head of development partners would join the occasion.
Md. Aminul Haque Shamim, FBCCI Vice President and Director-in-Charge of the committee, informed that over 1.10 billion (110 crore) people travel across the globe annually.
"Even Bangladeshi tourists also travel different countries. But we can't attract foreign tourists (to our country)."
To expand the tourism sector, he suggested providing duty-free facility on import of tourist bus and other equipment.
Khabir Uddin Ahmed, Chairman of the committee and President of Tourism Resort Industries Association of Bangladesh, chaired the meeting.
talhabinhabib@yahoo.com