The Travel and Tourism Development Centre (TTDC), a national platform dedicated to advancing the sustainable growth of Bangladesh’s tourism, hospitality and aviation sectors through meaningful public-private collaboration, was formally launched today at a ceremony held at the Hotel InterContinental, Dhaka. a press release said.

The programme brought together senior government officials, policymakers, industry leaders, tourism and hospitality professionals, aviation stakeholders and representatives from the private sector to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing Bangladesh’s tourism, hospitality and aviation industries.

The launching ceremony was attended by Afroza Khanam Rita, MP, Minister for Civil Aviation & Tourism, as the Chief Guest.

Following the formal inauguration of TTDC, a keynote presentation by Sadia Haque, Executive Committee Member of the organization on the ‘State of Bangladesh’s Tourism, Hospitality and Aviation Sectors,’ highlighted the sector’s potential, emerging opportunities and the importance of stronger collaboration between the government and private sector.

A high-level panel discussion was subsequently held, featuring Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, Executive Chairman, Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA); Dr. Khondaker Golam Moazzem, Research Director, Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD); Ahmed Yusuf Walid, President, Galaxy Group; and Ashwani Nayar, Area General Manager, IHG South West Asia and Cluster GM, Crowne Plaza Dhaka Airport.

The discussion focused on the prospects of Bangladesh’s tourism, hospitality and aviation sectors, the need for coordinated policy and investment initiatives, and ways to unlock the country’s considerable tourism potential. Speakers also underscored the importance of public-private partnerships, infrastructure development, improved services and a stronger ecosystem to make Bangladesh a more competitive and sustainable tourism destination.

Earlier, the programme featured a welcome address by Shahid Hamid FIH, Executive Committee Member of TTDC, followed by a brief introduction to newly launched platform by Kazi Wahidul Alam, President, TTDC. The formal launch of the Centre was marked by a cake-cutting ceremony.

Speaking at the occasion, Nasser Rahman, MP, TTDC Executive Committee Member and Chairman, Launching Committee said that the establishment of TTDC marks an important step towards creating a structured platform where government and industry stakeholders can work together to address challenges and develop new opportunities for Bangladesh’s tourism, hospitality and aviation sectors.

The launch of TTDC is expected to provide a dedicated platform for policy dialogue, knowledge sharing, industry collaboration and advocacy, with the broader objective of contributing to the sustainable development and international positioning of Bangladesh’s tourism, hospitality and aviation sectors.