DHAKA, Oct. 29 — The three-day Bangladesh Travel and Tourism Fair (BTTF) 2026 opened on Thursday in Dhaka’s Agargaon, convening national tourism bodies, corporate delegates, and hospitality stakeholders representing 20 countries to showcase cutting-edge travel technology and promote sustainable global travel practices.
Organized by the Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh (TOAB), this edition is themed “AI Powered Tourism, Sustainable Destination.” The event focuses on integrating artificial intelligence into hospitality and travel services, driving eco-friendly tourism infrastructure, and broadening international business-to-business (B2B) linkages.
Inaugurating the exposition at a convention hall in Agargaon, Dr. Nurun Nahar Chowdhury, Secretary of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, underscored that Bangladesh’s travel industry is pivoting toward modern digital infrastructure.
“Integrating artificial intelligence and modern technology is leading Bangladesh’s tourism sector into a transformative era,” Dr. Chowdhury remarked. “Flagship international platforms like BTTF play a vital role in showcasing our local attractions globally while instituting sustainable practices. Fostering long-term growth will require coordinated public-private partnerships across the board.”
The trade show features more than 220 exhibitors spread across 200 dedicated stalls and pavilions, occupying four themed exhibition halls. According to organizers, the expo is projected to draw over 60,000 general visitors, along with 250 prospective buyers and 2,500 registered trade delegates.
Participating nations include India, Nepal, Singapore, the Maldives, the Philippines, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, China, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Thailand, Brunei, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, and Azerbaijan, among others.
TOAB President Mohammad Hanif noted that following 13 successful editions, BTTF has established itself as one of South Asia’s premier travel marketplaces. “The platform bridges domestic tourism enterprises with overseas counterparts, unlocking direct commercial partnerships and investment horizons,” Hanif said.
The opening ceremony brought together senior government leadership and members of the diplomatic corps, including Dr. Nasneen Kauser Chowdhury, Executive Chairman of the National Skills Development Authority (NSDA); Md. Shamimuzzaman, Chairman of Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation; Barrister Mutasim Billah Faruqui, CEO of Bangladesh Tourism Board; Additional IGP G.M. Azizur Rahman of Tourist Police Bangladesh; Nina P. Cainglet, Ambassador of the Philippines; Imran Haider, High Commissioner of Pakistan; and Ghanashyam Bhandari, Ambassador of Nepal.
US-Bangla Airlines serves as the title sponsor of the fair, with national flag carrier Biman Bangladesh Airlines acting as airline partner and Crowne Plaza Dhaka Airport serving as platinum hospitality partner. The event receives institutional backing from the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, NSDA, Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation, Bangladesh Tourism Board, Tourist Police, and the FBCCI.
The exhibition remains open to trade visitors and the public daily from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. through Saturday.