The government is emphasising public-private partnerships and increased investment to transform Bangladesh's tourism potential into a planned, sustainable and internationally competitive industry, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat said on Thursday.

"Almost every region of Bangladesh has its own tourism potential. These possibilities need to be utilised in a planned manner," the minister said while addressing the inaugural ceremony of the three-day 13th Asian Tourism Fair in Dhaka as chief guest.

He said Bangladesh possesses diverse tourism resources, including rivers, hills, the sea, and forests. These include the Sundarbans, the world's largest mangrove forest, the long natural sea beach at Cox's Bazar, and Kuakata, alongside other attractive tourist spots across the country.

Sylhet's tea gardens, rivers and wetlands, as well as archaeological and religious heritage sites, are also key tourism assets, he added.

The minister said tourism potential is not confined to a few established destinations, noting that nearly every region of the country has its own story and tourism prospects.

He said the goal now is to turn these possibilities into a planned, sustainable and internationally competitive tourism industry.

He informed that work is underway on a master plan covering various categories of tourist attractions, adding that emphasis will be placed on private investment and public-private partnerships (PPP) in the sector.

Millat said tourism development is not merely an administrative priority but also a political commitment of the current government, forming part of a broader plan for economic diversification, job creation and balanced regional development.

Cutlining plans to develop Cox's Bazar as a regional tourism hub centred on its long sea beach, the minister said the new Cox's Bazar International Airport is aimed, among other things, at attracting foreign tourists.

He also said that if the Sundarbans can be developed under the PPP model, major initiatives could be undertaken there.

The minister called for involving local communities alongside the public and private sectors in tourism development. "Advancing the tourism sector is not possible without the collective effort of all. The government, private sector and local communities must work together to showcase Bangladesh's tourism in the international market."

Stressing the need to further boost tourism's existing contribution to the economy, Millat urged all stakeholders to come forward with new, innovative and cost-effective ideas.

Ambassadors and high commissioners from various countries, development partners, investors and tourism industry stakeholders were present at the event.

Organisers said the tourism fair will run until September 19, open daily from 10am to 7pm. More than 200 organisations from 10 countries, including Bangladesh, are taking part, with around 300 booths set up at the fair.