Under the theme Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism," the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism has organized a series of events from September 27 to October 3 to mark World Tourism Day 2026. In line with global celebrations, the Ministry, in coordination with public and private stakeholders in Bangladesh's tourism sector, has finalized elaborate preparations for destination-based vibrant programs.

On the occasion of Tourism Day, week-long festive preparations have been completed by the Bangladesh Tourism Board, Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation, Tourist Police, agencies under the Ministry, private tourism stakeholders including hotels, resorts, tour operators, travel agents, amusement park associations, various public and private universities, district administrations, and destination-based stakeholders.

The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) has designated the global theme for this year's World Tourism Day as "Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism." Aligned with this vision, this year's events in Bangladesh highlight the potential of digital transformation and artificial intelligence within the domestic tourism sector. The ongoing advancement of digital technology has opened up new horizons globally for the tourism industry. Unlocking these opportunities in Bangladesh will create an inclusive impact on the national economy.

On Sunday, a rally celebrating World Tourism Day will be held in the administrative area of Parjatan Bhaban, West Agargaon, Sher-e-Bangla Nagar. Abul Kalam Azad Siddiqui, MP, Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, will inaugurate the rally as the Chief Guest at 9:00 AM. Tourism stakeholders will participate in the rally in front of Parjatan Bhaban, colorfully presenting the traditional lifestyle of Bengal, ethnic group heritage, and the rich heritage of Dhaka. A bicycle rally will be flagged off at 9:30 AM, followed by the inauguration of a City Tour organized by Bangladesh Parjtatan Corporation at 9:40 AM, where underprivileged children will have the opportunity to visit and enjoy various tourist attractions in Dhaka through guided tours.

On September 28 at 10:30 AM, an exchange-of-views meeting with tourism stakeholders will take place in the Conference Room (Level 10) of Parjatan Bhaban. Stakeholders will engage in discussions with the Bangladesh Tourism Board on the overall development of the country's tourism industry in the context of World Tourism Day. Two days later, on September 30 at the same time and venue, an exchange-of-views meeting will be held with diplomats from source countries. This meeting will foster opportunities for mutual cooperation, dialogue, and the promotion of inbound tourism with source countries. Diplomats will exchange views on the tourism sector with Barrister Mutasim Billah Faruqui, Chief Executive Officer of the Bangladesh Tourism Board.

The main ceremony for World Tourism Day will take place on October 3. The day's events will commence at 2:30 PM at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar with the inauguration and inspection of 12 thematic exhibition stalls. These thematic stalls will showcase Bangladesh's traditional culture, cuisine, GI products, craft souvenirs, traditional handloom and textiles, ethnic minority heritage, destination-based presentations, and traditional Bangladeshi lifestyle. Furthermore, in line with the day's theme, artificial intelligence will be utilized to demonstrate tourist destination experiences, virtual time travel to destinations, and destination photography.

A discussion seminar titled " Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism" will begin at 3:00 PM. Barrister Mutasim Billah Faruqui, Chief Executive Officer of the Bangladesh Tourism Board, will deliver the welcome address.

A video message containing greetings from UN Tourism Secretary-General Ms. Shaikha Al-Nuais will be broadcast. Dr. Mohammad Ruhul Amin, Associate Professor at the Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management, University of Dhaka, will present the keynote thematic presentation. Special guest addresses will be delivered by G M Azizur Rahman, Additional IGP of Tourist Police; Md. Shamimuzzaman, Chairman of Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation; Md. Abdur Rouf, NDC, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism; Abul Kalam Azad Siddiqui, MP, Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism; and Ali Newaz Mahmud Khaiyum, MP, Hon'ble State Minister for Cultural Affairs

A major highlight of this year's Tourism Day is the launch of the Bangladesh Tourism Award 2026, introduced for the first time among industry stakeholders. To recognize individuals, organizations, entrepreneurs, and tourisan initiatives making significant contributions to sustainable tourism development, service quality improvement, innovation, digital transformation, local community engagement, empowerment of women and youth entrepreneurs, and the preservation of environment and cultural heritage, the Bangladesh Tourism Board under the guidance of Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism will confer awards across 13 categories. The primary objectives of these awards are to nationally acknowledge initiatives setting benchmarks in excellence, responsibility, and innovation; to build and promote a sustainable tourism industry; and to inspire other tourism entrepreneurs and stakeholders.

M. Rashiduzzaman Millat, MP, Hon'ble Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism, will grace the discussion session as the Chief Guest. Ali Newaz Mahmud Khaiyum, MP, Hon'ble State Minister for Cultural Affairs, and Abul Kalam Azad Siddiqui, MP, Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, will attend as Special Guests. The session will be chaired by Ms. Fahmida Akhtar, NDC, Secretary of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism. Following the discussion, a cultural performance will be presented in collaboration with the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy.