The Bangladesh Travel and Tourism Fair (BTTF) 2026 has concluded successfully, highlighting the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in making tourism management more efficient, responsible and inclusive while integrating the social, environmental and economic dimensions of sustainable tourism.

The three-day fair, organised by the Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh (TOAB), generated approximately Tk 4.3 billion in sales and business transactions, while more than 45,000 visitors attended the event.

Biman Bangladesh Airlines and US-Bangla Airlines received a strong response in ticket sales during the fair, according to the organisers.

The 14th edition of the fair concluded on Saturday (October 31) with a closing ceremony at Crowne Plaza Dhaka Airport. State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M. Rashiduzzaman Millat attended the ceremony as the chief guest.

Among those present were Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry Secretary Dr. Nurunnahar Chowdhury, NDC; Executive Chairman (Secretary) of the National Skills Development Authority Dr. Naznin Kawsar Chowdhury; Chairman of Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation Md. Shamimuzzaman; CEO of Bangladesh Tourism Board Barrister Mutasim Billah Faruqui; Managing Director and CEO of Biman Bangladesh Airlines Kaiser Sohel Ahmed; Additional Inspector General of Tourist Police GM Azizur Rahman; TOAB leaders and representatives of domestic and international tourism organisations.

Addressing the closing ceremony, State Minister M. Rashiduzzaman Millat said Bangladesh had enormous potential in the tourism sector. To realise this potential, the government had expanded the aviation sector alongside improving connectivity.

He said the government had already adopted a master plan to develop tourism, under which hotels and resorts would be operated with appropriate regulations, technology and sustainable planning.

The minister said solar panels had been installed at resorts to address electricity shortages, while training opportunities for young people had been arranged through the National Hotel and Tourism Training Institute (NHTTI).

He also stressed the need to increase the use of technology in destination management, tourist safety, waste management, environmental monitoring and emergency services. Digital information services and smart monitoring systems could make tourist destinations more responsible and sustainable, he added.

Seminar Highlights AI in Sustainable Tourism

Before the closing ceremony, a seminar titled “AI for Sustainable Tourism Operation” was held at the main venue of the fair, the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre (BCFCC).

Speakers discussed the potential of artificial intelligence in tourism operations and sustainable development.

They said AI could improve tourist inquiries and booking management, pricing, itinerary planning, hospitality services and the removal of language barriers.

The seminar also highlighted the role of technology in managing overcrowding at tourist destinations, promoting local businesses, saving fuel in aviation, supporting data-driven decision-making and reducing the environmental impact of tourism.

Speakers further said that reliable and adequate data, skilled human resources, improved infrastructure and public-private partnerships were essential for the effective application of AI in the tourism sector.

They stressed that technological advancement must preserve the human aspects of tourism, including warmth, hospitality and cultural experiences, which remain central to sustainable tourism development.

The seminar was chaired by TOAB First Vice-President Syed Shafaat Uddin Ahmed. Syed Sazzad Hossain Mahmud, CEO of Swadeshi Communications, presented the keynote paper.

Dr. Md. Anwar Hossain Bhuiyan, Associate Professor of the Faculty of Business Studies at National University, Bangladesh, and Mahbub Parvez, Associate Professor of the Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management at Daffodil International University, participated in the discussion.

Akhtaruzzaman Kabir, Chairman of the Dhruvatara Youth Development Foundation (DYDF), moderated the session.

The discussants said sustainable tourism was not merely an issue for the tourism industry but required coordinated efforts across sectors connected to the economy, environment and society.

They noted that AI could help improve travel planning, increase tourist confidence and reduce operational costs and environmental impacts through the analysis of tourism-related data.

AI-based route planning in aviation could also help reduce fuel consumption. Furthermore, analysing information on weather, holidays, bookings and transportation could improve the management of tourist destinations.

The seminar also highlighted AI’s potential to contribute to economic growth, employment generation and skills development in the tourism sector. However, speakers emphasised that skilled workers, modern infrastructure, effective policies and public-private partnerships were essential for sustainable growth.

Representatives from 20 Countries Participate

The 14th BTTF featured national and international tourism representatives and organisations from 20 countries, including Nepal, India, Singapore, the Maldives, the Philippines, Türkiye, the United Arab Emirates, China, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Thailand, Brunei, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia and Azerbaijan.

Malaysia, Pakistan, the Philippines and Nepal were the partner countries of this year’s fair, while US-Bangla Airlines served as the title sponsor.

Biman Bangladesh Airlines was the airline partner, Crowne Plaza Dhaka Airport the platinum hospitality partner, Sabre the GDS (Global Distribution System) partner, Opus Communications Limited the PR partner, M360ICT the technology partner, Convoy Service the transport partner, Maestro the digital partner, and Panorama PC Creators and Ruchi the audio-visual partners. BCFCC was the venue partner.

Held under the theme “AI-Powered Tourism, Sustainable Destination”, the fair showcased Bangladesh’s tourism potential to the international community while creating opportunities for business networking, experience sharing and new investment among domestic and international stakeholders.

The event also underscored the importance of continued public-private partnerships, modern technology, skilled human resources and environmental conservation in developing the country’s tourism sector.