President Md. Abdul Hamid has given the following message on the occasion of the World Tourism Day-2017:
“It gives me immense pleasure to know that World Tourism Day-2017 is being observed in Bangladesh as elsewhere around the world.
Tourism is a basic instinct of human being. People from all walks of life become closer and able to know the diverse culture and heritage, nature and beauties through travelling. Bangladesh is blessed with huge tourism potentials, which can attract tourists from all over the world. The present government has taken various promotional activities for portraying Bangladesh as a popular tourist destination in the world. To this end, the government is extending allout cooperation for the development of tourism sector of the country minimizing negative impacts on environment and biodiversity and promoting own culture and heritage through responsible Tourism and Community Based Tourism activities.
The year-2017 is being celebrated as International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development (IYST) globally in line with the announcement of the world Tourism Organization (UNWTO). I believe, the theme of this year, ‘Sustainable Tourism-a Tool for Development’ is very much befitting with IYST. This year, importance is given on ‘Sustainable Tourism’ which will encourage tourism activities in a sustainable manner.
Tourists, local community and stakeholders can play vital role for the sustainable development of tourism. I believe that tourists would be respectful to the culture, heritage, tradition and values of local community as well as conserve environmental issues. The Government has taken manifold programmes and activities for attaining the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by the UN. Involving local community in the tourism industry and increasing their awareness and capability, I am confident, the standard of living of our people would rise and thus the tourism industry of Bangladesh would be able to reach its optimum destination.
I wish the ‘World Tourism Day- 2017’ a great success.
Khoda Hafez, May Bangladesh Live Forever.”