Travel and Tourism Fair kicks off in Dhaka

The 14th edition of the Bangladesh Travel and Tourism Fair (BTTF) 2026, organised by the Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh (TOAB), opened at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in Agargaon on Thursday.
The three-day fair features representatives and organisations from 20 countries, with a focus on artificial intelligence (AI), sustainable tourism and stronger global business links.
The fair, themed “AI-Powered Tourism, Sustainable Destination”, will remain open to visitors from 11am to 8pm daily until 31 October.
Dr Nurun Nahar Chowdhury, secretary of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, inaugurated the fair as the chief guest. The event aims to promote the use of modern technology and AI in tourism, encourage environmentally friendly travel and strengthen international connectivity.
Representatives from 20 countries, including Bangladesh, Nepal, India, Singapore, the Maldives, the Philippines, Türkiye, the United Arab Emirates, China, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Thailand, Brunei, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia and Azerbaijan, are taking part in the event.
Malaysia, Pakistan, the Philippines and Nepal are the partner countries of this year’s fair.
More than 220 exhibitors are expected to participate, with over 200 booths and stalls showcasing services and opportunities in tourism. The organisers also expect more than 250 qualified buyers, 2,500 trade visitors and 60,000 general visitors.
Airlines, hotels and tour operators are participating across four themed exhibition halls, creating a platform for businesses to explore partnerships and new commercial opportunities.
Speaking at the inauguration, Dr Nurun Nahar Chowdhury said Bangladesh’s tourism sector was entering a new era through the integration of modern technology and AI.
She said platforms such as BTTF could help promote the country’s tourism industry internationally while encouraging environmentally friendly tourism practices. Coordinated efforts among stakeholders were needed to advance the sector, she added.
TOAB President Mohammad Hanif said the fair had grown into one of South Asia’s leading tourism platforms after 13 successful editions. He said BTTF could help showcase domestic tourism to international audiences, strengthen business relations with global stakeholders and create new commercial opportunities. US-Bangla Airlines is the title sponsor of the event. Other partners include Biman Bangladesh Airlines, Crowne Plaza Dhaka Airport, Sabre, M360ICT and several organisations supporting communications, transport and digital services.
The fair has received support from the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, the National Skills Development Authority, the Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation, the Bangladesh Tourism Board, Tourist Police and the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI). 
TOAB said it was working to promote Bangladesh’s tourism sector globally and connect domestic industry players with international stakeholders through the annual event.