Day: September 18, 2025
Asian Tourism Fair begins in Dhaka today
The 12th Asian Tourism Fair (ATF) officially commenced today at the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB), marking the largest tourism exhibition ever held in Bangladesh. The three-day event, running from September 18 to 20, features over 200 exhibitors from 20 countries. The ATF Dhaka is organised by Bangladeshi travel and tourism magazine The Parjatan Bichitra. The event is endorsed by Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism and government of Bangladesh, and supported by Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation (BPC), Bangladesh Tourism Board (BTB) and tourism trade association at home and abroad. This year’s expo’s tagline “Connecting Regional Tourism,” aims to strengthen cross-border collaboration and promote sustainable travel across Asia. Countries which took part in earlier editions of the fair include: Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Thailand, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, China, Korea, Sri Lanka, Japan, Jordan, Iran, Qatar, Philippine, Singapore, Lithuania and Maldives. Malaysia returns as a feature country, showcasing its tourism offerings through immersive displays. Mutual Trust Bank is the title sponsor of the fair, where national tourism organisations, airlines, tour operators, and hospitality groups will be the key exhibitors. Bangladesh’s tourism sector is prominently represented, with local operators promoting destinations such as the Sundarbans mangrove forest, Cox’s Bazar—the world’s longest sea beach—tea gardens in Sylhet, and Buddhist heritage sites in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. Bangladesh was recently named one of the best-value destinations by Lonely Planet, and organizers are leveraging this recognition to boost inbound and outbound travel. The fair includes a series of side events designed to engage both industry professionals and the general public. These include seminars, workshops, skill conventions, cultural programmes, and a dedicated Bangladesh Tourism Night. An award ceremony is scheduled to recognise contributions to the tourism sector. Four tiers are offered: Standard, Semi Pavilion, Pavilion, and Prime Pavilion. Logistical support is available only through nominated agents and for exhibitors with early bird registration. The event also facilitates B2B and B2C networking sessions to encourage commercial partnerships and tourism development. Visitor demographics span leisure travellers, corporate buyers, travel media, and academic researchers. Organisers expect significant footfall over the three days, with the ICCB venue prepared to accommodate large crowds. Bangladesh’s outbound tourism market is expanding rapidly, driven by increased flight connectivity and a growing middle class. The fair aims to capitalise on this trend by promoting regional travel packages and enhancing visibility for participating destinations. The ATF has been held regularly since its inception, with some exceptions. It is considered a key platform for regional tourism stakeholders to exchange ideas, showcase products, and foster economic cooperation. The fair will conclude on September 20 with closing remarks from organisers and government representatives. Written by Nibir Ayaan
Read More
South Asia Trade Fair 2025 Kicks Off in Dhaka Today
The South Asia Trade Fair 2025 opens its doors in Dhaka today, drawing together businesses from across the region for a four-day showcase of trade and commerce. This year’s edition will feature an extensive display of products from South Asian countries, covering categories as diverse as readymade garments, textiles, gems and jewellery, cosmetics, footwear and leather items, home and kitchen appliances, processed food, and electronics. Organisers said the wide range is meant to highlight both the industrial strengths and the cultural traditions of the region. Over a hundred companies are expected to take part, representing a strong presence of entrepreneurs and firms from multiple SAARC member nations. Their participation is aimed at deepening economic ties and opening new trade opportunities among neighbouring countries. The fair is being hosted under the initiative of the SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI). The Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI), the Ministry of Commerce, and the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) are providing support to make the event successful. An inaugural ceremony marked the start of the fair and Commerce Adviser Sk. Bashir Uddin formally opened the exhibition at the International Convention City, Bashundhara. The event is being positioned as one of the year’s most important trade gatherings in the capital. Details of the programme were shared earlier this week at a press conference organised at the FBCCI headquarters in Dhaka’s Motijheel. Speaking at the briefing, Zulfiqar Ali Bhatt, secretary general of the SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry, explained the scope of the upcoming fair and outlined its objectives. According to Bhatt, the event will include business-to-business matchmaking sessions and dedicated networking opportunities designed to foster trust between entrepreneurs of SAARC nations. He added that the platform would also enable the exchange of ideas and experiences in business practices, paving the way for a stronger foundation of regional cooperation. “This will play a vital role in promoting regional trade,” Bhatt remarked, underlining the importance of strengthening intra-regional links. He noted, however, that despite significant potential, South Asian economies have not yet managed to expand their trade with each other to the levels seen in other parts of the world. The fair, he stressed, can serve as a step toward correcting this imbalance. The exhibition will bring together companies from Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan, among others. With more than a hundred firms participating, organisers are confident the event will serve as an effective platform for businesses looking to establish or expand their footprint in South Asia’s growing markets. Md. Alamgir, secretary general of FBCCI, also spoke at the press conference, focusing on the broader vision of the Saarc Chamber. He emphasised that the institution was created to boost the region’s trade capacity and to promote collaboration across a variety of sectors. Through the fair, Alamgir said, regional potential in industries such as textiles, pharmaceuticals, processed food and agriculture, and electronics will come to the forefront. At the same time, the exhibition will not only highlight economic strengths but also showcase the rich traditions and cultural identities of the SAARC member countries, creating a more holistic view of South Asia’s shared possibilities. The stakeholders hope the four-day event will set the stage for stronger commercial ties, a more connected region, and a renewed commitment to expanding trade among neighbouring economies. Written by Nibir Ayaan
Read More