Coinciding with Bangladesh International Tourism Fair-2015, 21-23rd May, a very special meeting was held in Dhaka in the presence of the participating country members to give a final shape to the concept of forming South Asian Tourism Federation.
In order to develop tourism in South Asian Countries (SAARC) this committee named” South Asian Tourism Federation” was formed. Names of the committee will be submitted to the Ministry of Foreign Affair’s SAARC Secretariat and will comply with recommendations and this committee will work for the speedy development of tourism in the region.
On last 22nd May this committee was declared in a meeting held at a Hotel in Dhaka. The meeting was arranged by Bangladesh International Hotel Association and was participated by the representatives from India, Nepal, Pakistan, Bhutan and Bangladesh. The meeting was presided over by Mr. H.M. Hakim Ali, President, Bangladesh International Hotel Association.
Members present in the meeting unanimously nominated Mr. H. M. Hakim Ali of Bangladesh as Chairman, Vice-Chairman Mr. D.B. Limbu, President of Nepal Association of Tour & Travel Agents (NATTA), General Secretary, Mr. Sonom Darjee, Executive Director of Bhutanese Association of Tour Operators’ Executive Director and Finance Secretary Sangita Rana, General Secretary of Bhutan’s Hotel & Restaurant Association, India has agreed to take over as Vice President.
Bangladesh Inbound Tour Operators Association’s President Mr. Rezaul Ekram was also made Convener of the Federation to form with immediate effect. CEO NATTA Prof. Dr. Hari Sarmah will however be in the Committee as one of the founder members.