Govt works to gain 10 pc GDP share from tourism sector

The young generation has a lot of opportunities to establish themselves as a stakeholder of the tourism sector, but long term plan along with dedication and sincerity is a must to gain success, says the maiden female vice-president of ATAB Afsia Jannat Saleh

Abu Sazzad

The incumbent government led by the legendary Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has undertaken master plan to boost the tourism sector in a bid to ensure higher contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in line with the achievement of SDGs goals and to attain the ‘Prosperous Bangladesh’ envisioned by of the father of the nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

“Bangladesh needs to expand the tourism sector for raising the existing income level aviation industry. We have a lot of potential to boost the tourism industry and it has multiple positive impacts on the economy of the country. If we want to raise the income share from the tourism sector to GDP, it is crucial for implementing more time-befitting projects and the government has undertaken a master plan to boost the tourism sector”, told Afsia Jannat Saleh, the First Vice President of the Association of Travel Agents of Bangladesh (ATAB) while providing an exclusive interview to the Daily Tribunal at his Gulshan office in the capital recently.

Afsia Jannat Saleh is a reputed young and talented stakeholder who is putting a praiseworthy role in the further development of the country’s tourism sector through conducting impact-oriented contributions.

Currently, the tourism sector is contributing approximately 4 percent to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and the government is working sincerely to ensure such a contribution at least 10 percent, she said.

“Apart from the stimulus loan package, the higher allocation in the national budget is the visible reflection of the policy maker for gaining the further development of the entire tourism industry”, added Afsia Jannat.

The government recently inaugurated the dream project of the countrymen namely ‘Padma Bridge, which not only brought a change in improving the livelihood of the people of the southern-western part of the country, but it rapidly increased the tourism income of the country.

The construction of the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport’s (HSIA) 3rd terminal is going on in full swing which would help turn Bangladesh into a global aviation hub.

“After completing the said project by next year, it will raise the tourism income through ensuring more overseas tourists. The aviation and hospitality industry would revamp for implementing the said project. I firmly belief that Bangladesh will see a boom in local and regional tourism in the coming days for implementing the rhetoric Padma Bridge and the upcoming HISA 3^rd terminal”, she added.

Talking on the challenges of the tourism sector, Afsia Jannat Saleh has underscored the need for creating more skilled manpower for the further development of the country’s tourism industry and the economy as well.

“We have a lot of potentials to boost the tourism income, but it is true that we are still lagging behind in ensuring international standard tourism spots in terms of providing security of the foreign tourists and other logistic supports. Ensuring the improved infrastructure and skilled manpower are a must for the further flourishment of the entire tourism industry including aviation and hospitality”, Afsia Jannat also added.

The Prime Minister Hasina led government has already formed the tourist police to ensure the complete security of all tourist spots which is attracting more tourists from abroad.

Alongside the government initiative, ATAB is creating skilled manpower through developing travel trade professionals to boost the travel industry in the country, she mentioned.

Turning his attention toward the business of Saimon Overseas Ltd, Afsia Jannat mentioned that her company is the only authorized travel agency in Bangladesh.

“Our company is one of the leading travel, Visa processing, and travel technology company in Bangladesh and we are conducting business along with global recognition”, she added.

Finally, Afsia Jannat turned her attention toward the young generation who are eager to establish their carrier in the tourism industry in the country.

“The young generation has a lot of opportunities to establish themselves as a stakeholder of the tourism sector, but long term plan along with dedication and sincerity is a must to gain success as the entrepreneur in the tourism industry”, suggested Afsia Jannat.