The Bangladesh Travel and Tourism Fair (BTTF) 2026, an international tourism fair, is all set to begin in the capital on October 29. The three-day fair, with the participation of more than 20 countries, will continue until October 31 at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center in the capital.

The details of the BTTF were announced at a press conference held at the Crowne Plaza Dhaka Airport in the capital on Monday. TOAB President Mohammad Hanif presided over the press conference. This year, US-Bangla Airlines is the title sponsor of the fair.

Mohammad Hanif said that the participation of international tourism stakeholders will create an important platform to promote Bangladesh's tourism destinations, build business networks and expand tourism partnerships with the global market.

He said that more than 220 exhibitors, including airlines, hotels and tour operators, are expected to showcase their tourism products and services through more than 200 booths and stalls in four thematic exhibition halls.

TOAB President Mohammad Hanif said that there are some complications regarding the not increasing foreign tourists in the country at the desired rate. However, he did not disclose what the complications are.

TOAB will work more actively with the relevant government agencies to develop the tourism sector, he said.

The organizers said that in the continuation of more than 13 consecutive successful events, this year's fair will play a major role in developing Bangladesh's tourism sector in the international arena, creating new business areas and increasing regional cooperation.

Among the international participants, Nepal, India, Singapore, Maldives and the Philippines have already confirmed their presence in the fair. In addition, tourism agencies and tour operators from Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, China, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Thailand, Brunei, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia and Azerbaijan are expected to participate.

The fair is being supported by the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, Ministry of Cultural Affairs, National Skill Development Authority (NSDA), Bangladesh Tourism Corporation, Bangladesh Tourism Board, Bangladesh Tourist Police and FBCCI.

Speaking at the event, US-Bangla Airlines General Manager Kamrul Islam said that simplifying the visa process will increase the number of foreign tourists in the country. This fair will take the country's aviation and tourism sectors forward. He also said that flights will be launched to 16 new destinations including Brunei, Bahrain and Delhi in the future.

Informing about the plans to expand the international network, Kamrul Islam said that US-Bangla Airlines is planning to launch flights to important international routes like Brunei, Bahrain, Kuwait, Salalah, Penang and Johor Bahru soon.

He said that US-Bangla also plans to operate flights to long-haul international routes like London, Rome, New York and Toronto within the next five years.