10 journalists honoured for contributions
to tourism dev
Connectivity initiatives to boost tourism: Minister
UNB
Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Rashed Khan Menon yesterday said the government has taken a number of initiatives on connectivity front that will help boost the tourism industry in the country apart from making Coxs Bazar a tourism hub in the region, reports UNB.
He, however, said the issue of financing remains a barrier to rapid improvement in the countrys tourism industry and successful implementation of the programmes taken to mark the Tourism Year 2016.
The tourism minister was addressing a certificate awarding ceremony on Tourism Fellowship 2015 at a city hotel supported by Bangladesh Tourism Board (BTB).
Civil Aviation and Tourism Secretary Khurshed Alam Chowdhury, Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation Chairman Aparup Chowdhury, BTB CEO Akhtaruz Zaman Khan Kabir, Editor of The Bangladesh Monitor Kazi Wahidul Alam also spoke on then occasion.
Speaking as the chief guest, Menon said all the stakeholders, including the media, would have to be engaged to help flourish the tourism in the country ensuring a greater contribution to the national economy.
The minister described the initiatives taken so far including expansion of railway network from Dohazari to Gundam (Myanmar) through Teknaf, Chittagong-Coxs Bazar four-lane road, Coxs Bazar-Teknaf two-lane marine drive and up-gradation of Coxs Bazar airport into an international standard one with refuelling facilities. These initiatives will help boost the tourism industry.
He also mentioned that the recently signed four-nation motor vehicles deal comprising Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal which will help increase the flow of tourists.
Menon said the government is sincere to increase the facilities and security of both local and foreign tourists.He suggested the journalists to project Bangladesh positively apart from identifying the problems of the tourism industry.
Earlier, he handed over certificates to 10 journalists in recognition of their contributions to tourism industry development through their reporting. Each reporter was also given a cheque of Tk 60,000.
