Ittefaq Report
Ambassadors of Nepal and Bhutan on Thursday stressed joint efforts to explore potential in the tourism sector for mutual economic benefits with increased number of employment generation.
They observed that tourism is a priority for all of them, and there is endless potential that needs to be explored together.
“Regional tourism is very important- we would like to work together to promote tourism,” Bhutanese Ambassador in Dhaka Pema Choden said on the sidelines of a tourism fair in the city.
She said tourism is a priority for both Bangladesh and Bhutan and focusing on neighbours is important to boost tourism.
Nepalese Ambassador HK Shrestha said the connectivity has been enhanced in recent times among the four countries and referred to the signing of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal (BBIN) landmark Motor Vehicles Agreement (MVA) for the Regulation of Passenger, Personnel and Cargo Vehicular Traffic among the four South Asian neighbours.
“We can foster our joint tourism programme. There’s endless potential. Let us explore the potential together,” he said while addressing the inaugural session of the three-day tourism fair tiled ‘4th Asian Tourism Fair, 2015’ at Bashundhara International Convention City in the city as the chief guest.
The diplomat also said regional tourism is very much important for economic growth.
“We’re recovering, and hotel bookings are picking up after the major earthquake,” he said mentioning that 90 percent of their tourist attractions remained undamaged.
The Nepalese Ambassador said the people of Bangladesh love to visit Nepal very much. “I appeal to you all, please help us. Nepal is safe and sound for tourists.”
He also said they are now expecting a robust growth in tourist flow to Nepal in the coming months.
The Bhutanese Ambassador said she thinks fairs like this one are very useful because they bring tour operators from different neighbouring countries together.
“We’re very happy to see every single tour operator in Bangladesh is participating here. Our tour operators are also joining,” she said.
Responding to a question, the diplomat said there is good will and understanding that they would like to promote relations with Bangladesh in all aspects including tourism.
She, however, said there is no formal agreement between Bangladesh and Bhutan on tourism sector. “Tourism is a priority for both Bangladesh and Bhutan. We want to work together to promote tourism between Bangladesh and Bhutan and also in the region.”
Source: Ittefaq
