Bangladesh courts Malaysian tourists with tourism push

KUALA LUMPUR: Bangladesh is seeking to attract more Malaysian tourists by leveraging shared cultural traditions, religious values and culinary preferences between the two countries.

Bangladesh High Commissioner to Malaysia Manjurul Karim Khan Chowdhury said stronger cooperation between the tourism industries could boost tourist arrivals and people-to-people exchanges.

He said this at the Bangladesh Tourism Presentation at Wyndham Kuala Lumpur yesterday, which showcased the country's attractions, heritage and tourism infrastructure to Malaysian industry players.

The event was organised by Travel Canvas with the support of the Bangladesh High Commission, Bangladesh Tourism Board (BTB) and Bangladesh-Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BMCCI).

"Bangladesh's scenic landscapes, historical and archaeological sites, cultural diversity, cuisine and hospitality, as well as its tourism infrastructure and growth potential, are something all Malaysians must explore at least once.

"Similarities in religious traditions, cultural values and food preferences make Bangladesh an attractive destination for Malaysian travellers and provide opportunities to develop tailored tourism packages," he said in his welcome speech.

Representatives from the Bumiputra Travel and Tour Agents Association (BTTA), Malaysian Chinese Tourism Association (MCTA) and Malaysian Indian Tour and Travel Association (MITTA) attended the event.

An interactive session involving the associations, travel agents and tour operators from both countries was also held to explore joint initiatives and expand tourism packages to encourage more travel between Bangladesh and Malaysia.

Khan Chowdhury also unveiled Travel Canvas's publication, Bangladesh – The World's Largest Delta: An Untold Story.

The book provides historical information and highlights tourist attractions to explore when visiting Bangladesh.