http://www.theindependent-bd.com/details.php?nid=171553
Mega plan for development of tourism sector
Target of earning Tk 5,000cr
BSS, DHAKA
The government is implementing a mega plan for the development of tourism sector with a target of earning Taka 3,000 crore to 5,000 crore a year from the sector.
For smooth implementation of the project, the government has already finalised tourism act and tourism policy.
The tourism act has been approved by the cabinet and is awaiting passage by parliament.
The tourism policy would be announced soon.
Civil aviation and tourism ministry sources said the tourism act would be passed in the next session of parliament.
When in force, this law would help achieve a revolutionary progress in tourism sector.
It will establish the sole control of the civil aviation and tourism ministry on the country’s tourist spots.
As per the new law, no structures could be built in any area of tourism without approval of the ministry or concerned authorities.
After the passage of the law, a list of tourist sports would be published in a gazette notification to preserve those.
Besides, development activities would be carried out in those areas as per the government plan.
In the proposed law, there is a provision for developing special tourist zones for foreigners.
Ministry sources said an exclusive tourist zone is likely to be set up at Mankhali in Cox’s Bazar at the initial stage.
There are other rules and regulations in the law for development of tourism sector.
Along with these, the government is implementing a 10-year mega plan in three phases.
Under the plan, 2,200 modern and attractive tourist spots would be developed in the country.
Local government division, city corporations, department of environment, district administrations and other departments and agencies would work in coordination to this end.
The country is currently earning a revenue of Taka 500 to 600 from the tourism sector.
The revenue earning from the sector was Taka 449.38 crore in 2005, Taka 553.6 crore in 2006, Taka 526.51 crore in 2007, Taka 612.45 crore in 2008 and Taka 573.79 crore in 2009.
After implementation of the government’s mega plan, the number of foreign tourists would increase to 40 lakh in next 10 years.
This will create the opportunity of earning Taka 3,000 to 5,000 from the sector, according to sources in civil aviation and tourism ministry.
