BTTF 2026 to spotlight AI, sustainable tourism

Desk Report: The 14th Bangladesh Travel and Tourism Fair (BTTF) 2026 will begin in Dhaka on Thursday, bringing together tourism businesses and industry representatives from more than 20 countries to explore opportunities in technology-driven and sustainable tourism.Organised by the Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh (TOAB), the three-day fair will run from October 29 to 31 at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre (BCFCC), with US-Bangla Airlines as the title sponsor.This year’s theme is “AI Powered Tourism, Sustainable Destination”, highlighting the role of artificial intelligence, digital innovation and environmentally responsible practices in developing the tourism industry.At a press conference at Crowne Plaza Dhaka Airport on Tuesday, TOAB President Mohammad Hanif said the fair had evolved into one of South Asia’s leading tourism platforms after 13 successful editions.He said BTTF would help showcase Bangladesh’s tourism attractions internationally, create business-to-business networking opportunities and open up new commercial prospects with global brands.Representatives from countries including India, Nepal, China, Singapore, the Maldives, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Pakistan, Thailand, Saudi Arabia and Malaysia are expected to participate.The organisers expect more than 200 booths and stalls, over 220 exhibitors, 250 qualified buyers and more than 2,500 trade visitors. Total attendance is projected to exceed 60,000, with more than 200 airlines, hotels and tour operators participating across four themed exhibition halls.Former TOAB president and Chief Fair Coordinator Md Rafiuzzaman, representatives of US-Bangla Airlines and Crowne Plaza Dhaka Airport, and senior TOAB officials attended the press conference.The organisers expect the fair to facilitate business partnerships, promote travel packages and help domestic tourism operators connect with international markets.The emphasis on artificial intelligence comes as digital tools are increasingly used in travel planning, booking management, customer service and destination marketing. Sustainable tourism, meanwhile, seeks to protect natural resources and cultural heritage while ensuring local communities benefit from tourism-related activities.For Bangladesh, greater international exposure could help attract visitors to destinations beyond established tourist spots, including its beaches, forests, archaeological sites, wetlands and cultural attractions. However, sustained growth will depend on better infrastructure, service quality, skilled workers and environmental protection.The fair is being organised with the cooperation of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, the National Skills Development Authority, Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation, Bangladesh Tourism Board, Bangladesh Tourist Police and the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry.Biman Bangladesh Airlines, Crowne Plaza Dhaka Airport, Sabre, OPAS Communications Limited and M360ICT are among the event’s partners.TOAB said the fair aims to promote Bangladesh’s tourism sector globally and strengthen links between local businesses and international stakeholders.The key challenge will be to turn the business connections generated at BTTF into investment, improved tourism services and sustainable economic opportunities for the country.