Bangladesh Houseboat Fair begins in Dhaka to promote sustainable water tourism

The three-day Bangladesh Houseboat Fair began in the capital’s Agargaon on Thursday, aiming to promote water-based tourism and raise awareness about preserving the country’s haor ecosystem.

Organized by the Houseboat Owners Association of Bangladesh (HOAB), the fair was inaugurated at the Shailprapat Hall of the Bangladesh Tourism Corporation and will continue until Saturday, July 11.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Bangladesh Tourism Board Director Abu Selim Mahmud-ul Hasan stressed the importance of developing tourism while protecting the natural environment and biodiversity of the country’s haor regions.

“Tourism development must go hand in hand with the conservation of our natural resources and biodiversity,” he said.

HOAB President Arafat Hossain said the fair aims not only to promote water-based tourism but also to create greater public awareness about protecting the environment and biodiversity of the haor areas.

More than 120 houseboat companies are participating in this year’s fair, showcasing a wide range of tourism services and experiences.

The speakers highlighted the potential of Bangladesh’s wetlands, including Tanguar Haor and Kaptai Lake, as attractive destinations for both domestic and international tourists through eco-friendly houseboat tourism.

They also emphasized the need for stronger public-private collaboration to build a sustainable tourism industry, expressing optimism that such initiatives would further strengthen the country’s tourism sector while unlocking the economic potential of the haor regions through responsible tourism development.