Regional cooperation seen key to boosting tourism

Regional cooperation is needed to boost tourism in South Asian countries, speakers yesterday told the closing function of the three-day Banglalink Bangladesh Travel and Tourism Fair 2007 in Dhaka.

"We can make a joint plan so that tourists from Europe and the US visit the South Asian region under one package," said Shaikh Altaf Ali, civil aviation and tourism secretary.

"A visitor can visit Nepal first and then he or she may come to Bangladesh through India under one package," Ali elaborated. He also called for collective support to promote tourism in the region.

Assuring local tour operators of looking into their suggestions, the secretary said if the sector receives proper attention, it will contribute to the development of the economy.

Tour firms from Nepal, Thailand, Malaysia and India's Assam also took part in the fair.


The Daily Star, Bangladesh