17.2% increase in allocation for aviation, tourism sectors

A total of Tk 6,597 crore has been proposed for Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry in the budget for 2023-24 fiscal aiming at upgrading the aviation sector as well as expanding tourism industry to meet the global standards.

The allocation in the proposed budget is Tk 969 crore more than the budget of 2022-23 fiscal which was Tk 5,628 -- an increase of 17.2 percent.

The minister also proposed multi-modal increase in travel tax today.

Additionally, Kamal proposed exemption of advance tax on import of aircraft engine, turbo jet, and aircraft parts by registered airlines, in order to facilitate trade and reduce aviation operational costs.

He said that the government has made significant strides in expanding air fleet and undertaking airport development projects.

The minister also proposed to withdraw the existing concessionary rate for importing hotel materials which is in place for a decade.

"As many large-scale and high-quality hotels have already been built under this facility, it seems unnecessary to continue the duty tax exemption, and therefore, for the sake of revenue protection, I propose to withdraw the existing notification," he said.

The minister also said steps have been taken to prevent unplanned construction of hotels and motels in tourist centres such as Cox's Bazar and St Martin's Island, limit the number of tourists within the capacities of the tourist centres and preserve biodiversity by engaging local communities, businessmen, and other stakeholders.

"We are building three tourist parks namely, Sabrang tourism Park, Naf Tourism Park, and Sonadia Eco-Tourism Park according to international standard in terms of accommodation and entertainment facility in the district of Cox's Bazar," he said.

The minister also mentioned that the "National Tourism Human Capital Development Strategy for Bangladesh: 2021-2030" has been prepared as a strategy document to create employment opportunities and to supply tourism workers to the tourism industry of the country.