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DHAKA, Bangladesh,— The World Tourism Network (WTN) Bangladesh Chapter marked World Tourism Day 2026 in Dhaka with a programme focused on artificial intelligence and digital transformation, while WTN Chairman Juergen Steinmetz praised the chapter as a model for greater member and chapter engagement across the organization’s global network.
Led by WTN Bangladesh Chapter Chairman H.M. Hakim Ali, tourism stakeholders gathered at Days Hotel Dhaka to discuss how AI, digital platforms and data-driven technologies can strengthen tourism promotion and visitor services in Bangladesh.
“I am proud of our Bangladesh Chapter,” Steinmetz said. “Under the leadership of Hakim Ali, Chairman of the WTN Bangladesh Chapter, Bangladesh always does the extra step.”
Steinmetz said the Bangladesh initiative demonstrates how WTN members and chapters can turn membership in a global tourism network into visible local action.
Bangladesh Shows What an Active WTN Chapter Can Do
The World Tourism Day programme carried a wider message for tourism professionals, businesses, associations and destinations interested in becoming more involved with WTN.
Bangladesh provides an example of how a national chapter can bring tourism stakeholders together, address issues affecting the industry, create local visibility and at the same time connect those activities with an international network.
“Taking the example Bangladesh has given to our organization, on behalf of our 36,000-plus members in 155 countries, the World Tourism Network wishes the world of tourism a happy World Tourism Day,” Steinmetz said.
“We are looking forward to expanding our activities around the globe and entering into additional cooperation with like-minded organizations, chapters and members.”
AI and Digital Transformation Take Center Stage
This year’s programme focused on the theme “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism.”
H.M. Hakim Ali, Chairman of the WTN Bangladesh Chapter, Founder President of the Bangladesh International Hotel Association (BIHA) and President of the United Tourism Stakeholders Society of Bangladesh (UTSSOB), addressed participants about the opportunities created by technological change.
Ali, who is also known as the Father of Tourism in Bangladesh, emphasized the need for tourism stakeholders to embrace new technology while continuing to promote the country’s cultural, historical and natural attractions.
He said digital platforms and emerging technologies could help Bangladesh introduce its destinations to a wider international audience while improving services and experiences for visitors.
Among the destinations highlighted were Cox’s Bazar, Chattogram, Bandarban, the Sundarbans, Srimangal, Kuakata, Paharpur, Mahasthangarh, Saint Martin’s Island and Jaflong.
Participants discussed the growing use of artificial intelligence, digital platforms and data-driven services in travel planning, destination promotion and tourism management.
From Membership to Participation
For WTN, the Bangladesh activities also illustrate a distinction between simply belonging to an international organization and becoming actively involved in it.
WTN members can use the network to develop connections across borders while taking initiatives within their own destinations. Tourism associations and organizations can explore cooperation with WTN, while members interested in building a stronger presence in their country or region can become involved in chapter activities.
The Bangladesh Chapter demonstrates one way this can work.
Its World Tourism Day programme brought industry stakeholders together around a global tourism issue, created a platform for discussion and concluded with a public rally through Dhaka to raise awareness of tourism and its potential.
The approach reflects WTN’s emphasis on connecting tourism professionals internationally while providing a voice for small and medium-sized tourism businesses.
Cooperation With Bangladesh’s Tourism Sector
Ali praised initiatives by the Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation and Bangladesh Tourism Board to promote the country’s tourism industry.
He called for closer cooperation between government agencies and private-sector tourism stakeholders as Bangladesh works to strengthen its position as an international tourism destination.
For WTN, cooperation is also an important element of its international development.
The network seeks to work alongside existing tourism associations and organizations rather than compete with them, creating opportunities for their leaders and members to connect with tourism stakeholders internationally.
For countries and destinations without an active WTN chapter, Bangladesh offers an example of how local tourism leaders can take the initiative and develop a platform for networking, advocacy, visibility and international cooperation.
World Tourism Day Rally Takes Message to Dhaka
Following the programme at Days Hotel Dhaka, tourism stakeholders participated in a rally under the banner of the WTN Bangladesh Chapter.
The rally marked World Tourism Day while raising awareness of tourism’s importance and its potential contribution to Bangladesh’s economy and communities.
The day’s programme also included discussions and interactive sessions addressing opportunities and challenges facing Bangladesh’s tourism industry as artificial intelligence and digital technology increasingly influence how destinations are promoted, discovered, booked and experienced.
World Tourism Day is observed annually on September 27. Established by the World Tourism Organization in 1980, it highlights tourism’s social, cultural, economic and environmental importance.
For the World Tourism Network, the 2026 celebration in Bangladesh carried an additional message to its international community: a global network becomes more valuable when members turn international connections into local action.
As WTN expands its activities, tourism professionals, small and medium-sized businesses, associations and destination leaders can participate as members, cooperate with the network or become involved in developing WTN activities and chapters in their own countries and regions.
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