13th Asian Tourism Fair 2026 Opens in Dhaka; 3-Day Fair to Continue Until Sept 19
The 13th Asian Tourism Fair (ATF) 2026, a three-day international tourism exhibition aimed at strengthening regional tourism connectivity and promoting sustainable tourism development, opened in Dhaka on Thursday at the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB). The fair will continue until 19 September, remaining open to visitors from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm each day.
The fair was inaugurated by M. Rashiduzzaman Millat, Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism.
Addressing the inaugural ceremony, the Minister emphasized the need for coordinated efforts among the government, private sector, investors, tourism businesses, local communities and international partners to further develop Bangladesh’s tourism infrastructure, services, destinations and tourism products.
He also stressed the importance of creating an investment-friendly environment, developing skilled human resources and ensuring the planned and sustainable development of the country’s promising tourism destinations.
The theme of this year’s Asian Tourism Fair is “Connecting Regional Tourism.” According to the organizers, ATF is not merely an exhibition of tourism products and destinations; it is also a platform for strengthening regional tourism connectivity, business networking, investment, destination marketing and international cooperation.
Mohiuddin Helal, Chairman of the Asian Tourism Fair and Editor of Parjatan Bichitra, said ATF has reached its 13th edition through the continued cooperation of government agencies, the private sector, tourism organizations, international partners and the media.
He said, “Tourism grows through partnership, connectivity, innovation and mutual understanding. Sustainable tourism development therefore requires the active participation of the government, private sector, local communities, investors and other stakeholders.”
Mohiuddin Helal further said that tourism development should go beyond promoting new destinations. It should focus on building a sustainable tourism system that generates economic benefits for local communities, protects natural and cultural heritage, and creates opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship.
International and Domestic Tourism Showcase
Tourism organizations, tour operators, airlines, hotels, resorts and other tourism-related businesses from Bangladesh and various countries are participating in this year’s fair.
The exhibition features an International Hall, Destination Bangladesh Hall and Tourism Investment Hall. The Tourism Investment Hall particularly highlights investment opportunities, projects and potential partnerships in the tourism sector.
Visitors can avail themselves of special offers on air tickets, hotel bookings and tour packages. Various domestic tourism products and services, including Dhaka Dinner Cruise, are also being promoted at the fair.
The entry fee is BDT 30, allowing visitors access to all three exhibition halls with a single ticket.
During the three-day event, a range of activities will be held, including B2B meetings, business networking, destination marketing, domestic and international tourism promotion, joint tour packages, panel discussions, cultural exchanges and various side events.
Biman Bangladesh Airlines is the Title Sponsor of this year’s fair.
Crowne Plaza Dhaka Airport is the Platinum Partner; Chuti Group is the Co-Sponsor; Crowne Plaza Dhaka Gulshan is the Hospitality Partner; VIA Hotels is the Investment Partner; and Sukher Khamar is the Agro-Tourism Partner.
In addition, Convoy Service is the Transport Partner, M360 is the ICT Partner, The Travel Bound is the Official Publication, Dhaka Dinner Cruise is the Cruise Partner, and NRB Vistara Limited is the Official Travel Partner.
The organizers expressed their gratitude to the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation, Bangladesh Tourism Board and Biman Bangladesh Airlines for their continued support to ATF.
The inaugural ceremony was attended by Md. Shamimuzzaman, Chairman of Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation; Barrister Mutasim Billah Faruqui, Chief Executive Officer of Bangladesh Tourism Board; and Kaiser Sohel Ahmed, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Biman Bangladesh Airlines.
Ambassadors and High Commissioners of the Philippines, Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka, along with diplomatic representatives from other countries and leaders and representatives of Bangladesh’s tourism industry, also attended the ceremony.
The organizers expressed their appreciation to all participating countries, exhibitors, partners, sponsors, tourism organizations, institutions and members of the media for their support and participation.
It may be noted that the 14th Asian Tourism Fair is scheduled to be held in Dhaka from 23–25 September 2027.