Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Muhammad Faruk Khan said travel agents play an important role in maintaining connectivity.
He made this remark as chief guest in a certificate awarding ceremony of the Association of Travel Agents of Bangladesh (ATAB)’s Tourism Training Institution at the ATAB office on Sunday.
The minister said that the role of travel agents is very important in today's world of connectivity. They connect people with the outside world. So travel agents have to fulfil their duty with integrity.
“The travel agents should be aware so that no customer is cheated even does not face any problem in going abroad,” he said.
“Our main aim is to ensure public service. Travel agents are cooperating and supporting us in public service work. You will perform your duties properly. Government will provide you full policy support,” Faruk assured.
About the training, the minister said, “The trainees should also be emphasised building on language skills besides building skills in various subjects in the tourism sector through the training. They have to be developed in such a way that they become fit to work anywhere in the world.”
“We also have plans to establish a tourism university in Bangladesh in the future to create skilled manpower in the tourism industry. We hope that all stakeholders of tourism will come forward sincerely to implement this initiative successfully,” he mentioned.
The minister said that various irregularities and complaints are often heard about online travel agencies, adding, “Everyone must follow the rules. Otherwise, legal action will be taken against the violators.”
Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation Chairman AKM Aftab Hossain Pramanik, ATAB President Abdus Salam Aref and others also spoke in the programme which was moderated by ATAB Secretary General Afsia Jannat Saleh.
