The Bangladesh Outbound Tour Operators Forum (BOTOF) hosted its Annual Members Meet 2026 in Dhaka on Thursday, bringing together travel industry leaders, international airline representatives, tourism authorities and outbound tour operators to strengthen collaboration and explore growth opportunities in Bangladesh\u2019s expanding outbound travel market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The event, held at Hotel Sarina in Banani, convened stakeholders from across the travel and aviation sector at a time when international travel demand among Bangladeshi travellers continues to rise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
BOTOF said the annual gathering serves as a platform to strengthen ties between local outbound operators and global tourism partners while addressing industry challenges and identifying new opportunities for growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In his welcome remarks, the BOTOF president Chowdhury Hasanuzzaman Rony said the organization remains committed to strengthening Bangladesh\u2019s position in the global outbound travel industry through stronger partnerships and market engagement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis annual gathering reflects our unwavering commitment to elevating Bangladesh\u2019s position in the global outbound travel landscape. We are proud to have the support of such distinguished international partners who share our vision,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mohammad Shoeb, marketing manager and country in-charge of Tourism Malaysia, delivered an audio-visual presentation showcasing Malaysia\u2019s tourism offerings for Bangladeshi travellers. Shorna Das, country manager of Malaysia Airlines Berhad, also addressed attendees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Tourism Authority of Thailand presented promotional content through Vaishali Sharma, marketing officer, highlighting Thailand\u2019s appeal as a major destination for Bangladeshi travellers. Shofi Ul Alam, assistant general manager (sales) at Thai Airways International, discussed aviation connectivity and the airline\u2019s engagement with the Bangladesh market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Saudi Arabia\u2019s growing tourism sector was also featured, with Aamir Haque, head of trade for Bangladesh at the Saudi Tourism Authority, outlining travel prospects and destination offerings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Representatives from SriLankan Airlines and Turkish Airlines emphasized the importance of Bangladesh as an emerging outbound travel market. S M Sharif, manager of sales and marketing at SriLankan Airlines, and Md Zakir Hossain, sales official at Turkish Airlines, spoke on regional connectivity and travel demand. Travel technology providers also highlighted innovation in the sector.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mohammad Saiful Hoque, country general manager and CEO of Sabre Travel Network (BD) Ltd, discussed digital transformation and booking technologies shaping the travel industry, while a representative from Travelport spoke on technology-driven solutions for travel operators.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The event also included the formal introduction of the TOAB (Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh) election panel, \u201cTOAB Ogrogami Oikkojot.\u201d Candidates outlined their priorities for the future of the association and the tourism industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Md Taslim Amin Shovon, TOAB president and election candidate, said Bangladesh\u2019s tourism industry holds strong potential for both inbound and outbound growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBangladesh’s tourism potential is immense \u2014 both in terms of what we can offer the world and what our people deserve to experience beyond our borders,\u201d he said. \u201cIf elected, my commitment is to build a stronger, more unified tourism industry that elevates inbound tourism by showcasing Bangladesh’s rich heritage and natural beauty, while simultaneously empowering our outbound operators with the tools, partnerships, and policy support they need to thrive,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The programme concluded with a dinner reception, allowing members, industry representatives and guests to network and discuss future collaborations.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"