MMC organized a talk on ‘The Role of Media in Promoting Tourism Industry in Bangladesh’
MMC organized a talk on ‘The Role of Media in Promoting Tourism Industry in Bangladesh’
Mr Faruk Khan, Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism, said that the government has identified tourism as one of the key sectors for the private entrepreneurs to invest and the government will provide full policy support for private initiatives to develop tourism in Bangladesh. One tourist supports seven jobs. Moreover, value addition in hospitality industry is 100 per cent compared to 30 to 40 per cent in garment industry, he added. Mr Khan said tourism also helps improve image of the country and added that BTB is working to promote the sector and brand Bangladesh to the world. In 2011, the board participated in 12 international tourism fairs around the world and its audio visual presentation ‘Beautiful Bangladesh’ won the third prize at one of those. Mr Khan also informed that two master plans are being prepared for the development of Cox's Bazar and Kuakata. He was speaking at a seminar on “The Role of Media in Promoting Tourism Industry in Bangladesh” organized by the department of Media and Mass Communication at AIUB on November 21, 2012 at Campus 1 Auditorium of the university. Vice-Chancellor Dr. Carmen Z. Lamagna inaugurated the program. She said that Tourism in Bangladesh has its potential but it has its challenges too. The future tourism strategy should have two primary aims. First: the development has to be sustainable including economical, cultural and environmental considerations. The second: aim for a Bangladeshi tourism strategy is that actions should be taken to increase the tourist income by raising the numbers of tourists. Tourism and travel is alive and well in Bangladesh and she encourages all the students to visit the wonderful sights the country has to offer.
Ms Farhana Afroz, Head, department of Media and Mass communication of AIUB, said over the last twenty years, the tourism sector in Bangladesh has not made enough progress. The lack of infrastructure and promotional activities through media are the main reason behind it. But, compared to the past twenty years, recently the government and private companies have invested more money for the development of tourism sector. Statistics prove the beneficial outcome. The biggest barriers standing in the way of Bangladesh developing into a buzzing international tourist location are political instability and insecurity. She also said that the recent change and progress in information technology have a revolutionary impact on tourism industry. In promoting the tourism industry of any country, the Internet can play the leading role to facilitate information exchange internationally. Bangladesh tourism authority must consider the effective use of this technology for the promotional activity of this industry she added. Professor Dr. Charles Villanueva, Dean, Faculty of Business Administration delivered the Welcome Address while Professor Tazul Islam, Dean Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS)bestowed the Vote of Thanks.The seminar was attended by faculties along with a large number of students of Media and Mass Communication and Tourism Department. The program was coordinated by Ms Farhana Afroz.