World Tourism Network (WTN) Bangladesh Chapter observed World Tourism Day 2026 with a programme at Days Hotel Dhaka today, focusing on the role of digital technology and artificial intelligence in reshaping the tourism sector.
This year’s World Tourism Day theme is “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism.”
H.M. Hakim Ali, Chairman of the WTN Bangladesh Chapter, Founder President of the Bangladesh International Hotel Association (BIHA) and President of the United Tourism Stakeholders Society of Bangladesh (UTSSOB), spoke at the programme.
Mr Ali, who is also known as the Father of Tourism in Bangladesh, emphasised the need for tourism stakeholders to adapt to technological developments while promoting the country’s rich cultural, historical and natural attractions.
He said digital platforms and emerging technologies can help Bangladesh promote its tourism destinations to a wider international audience and improve services for visitors.
He highlighted a number of major tourist destinations, including Cox’s Bazar, Chattogram, Bandarban, the Sundarbans, Srimangal, Kuakata, Paharpur, Mahasthangarh, Saint Martin’s Island and Jaflong.
The programme also discussed the growing use of artificial intelligence, digital platforms and data-driven services in travel planning, destination promotion and tourism management.
Mr Ali appreciated the initiatives of the Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation and Bangladesh Tourism Board in promoting the country’s tourism sector and called for greater cooperation among government agencies and private-sector tourism stakeholders.
Following the programme, tourism stakeholders took part in a rally in Dhaka under the banner of the WTN Bangladesh Chapter to mark World Tourism Day and raise awareness about the importance and potential of tourism in Bangladesh.
The programme included discussions and interactive sessions on the opportunities and challenges facing Bangladesh’s tourism industry in the digital era.
World Tourism Day is observed globally on September 27. The day was established by the World Tourism Organization in 1980 to raise awareness of tourism’s social, cultural, economic and environmental importance.
The World Tourism Network is a global network of tourism professionals that focuses on supporting small and medium-sized businesses and connecting tourism stakeholders across countries.