The Asian Tourism Fair (ATF) 2025 in Dhaka has emerged as one of the most influential tourism platforms in Asia, linking Bangladesh with regional and global tourism markets. Hosted at the prestigious Bangabandhu International Conference Center (BICC), the event is a catalyst for collaboration, showcasing Bangladesh’s tourism potential while fostering international connections.
Held annually, ATF has grown into a vibrant hub for travel professionals, tourism service providers, and leisure travelers. With its unique mix of exhibitions, workshops, seminars, and cultural programs, the fair serves not only as a marketplace but also as a stage for knowledge-sharing and cultural exchange.
Objectives of the Fair
The core mission of the ATF is to connect regional tourism markets, particularly strengthening ties between inbound and outbound tourism across Asia. The fair provides a professional setting for:
- Networking between businesses such as airlines, hotels, and tour operators.
- Promoting sustainable tourism, including eco-tourism and community-based travel.
- Enhancing cultural understanding through workshops and live cultural showcases.
By offering opportunities for both B2B and B2C interactions, ATF helps businesses expand their reach, while also enabling travelers to discover new destinations, packages, and experiences.
Evolution of the Asian Tourism Fair
The roots of ATF go back to the Dhaka Tourism Fair (DTF), first organized in 2007 by Parjatan Bichitra, Bangladesh’s pioneering tourism magazine. Due to its success, the event was expanded in 2011 and rebranded as the Asian Tourism Fair, under the management of TGI Asia.
Since then, it has evolved into Bangladesh’s largest tourism exhibition, drawing global participation and establishing itself as a key platform for promoting both domestic and international tourism.
Venue: Bangabandhu International Conference Center
The ATF is hosted at the BICC, Bangladesh’s premier convention and exhibition facility. With its modern infrastructure, versatile conference halls, and capacity to host thousands of visitors, the BICC provides an ideal setting for high-profile events. Its status as the country’s top MICE venue (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) makes it a natural choice for hosting a tourism fair of this scale.
Market Potential for Bangladesh Tourism
Bangladesh is increasingly being recognized as a fast-growing tourism destination in Asia. The country’s offerings are diverse:
- The Sundarbans, the world’s largest mangrove forest and home to the Royal Bengal Tiger.
- Cox’s Bazar, the longest unbroken sea beach in the world.
- Lush tea gardens in Sylhet and rolling green hills in Chattogram.
- Rich cultural and archaeological heritage, including Buddhist monasteries, mosques, and Hindu temples.
- Authentic community-based tourism, offering immersive experiences with local ethnic groups.
Alongside domestic travel, outbound tourism from Bangladesh is expanding, supported by an increasing number of international flights connecting Dhaka to Asia and the Middle East. Corporate travel culture also fuels this growth, with companies investing in incentive tours for employees both within Bangladesh and abroad.
Participation and Global Representation
ATF Dhaka regularly attracts exhibitors and participants from across Asia and beyond. Previous editions have welcomed delegations from India, Nepal, Bhutan, China, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Qatar, and Indonesia, among others.
Exhibitors include a wide array of tourism players:
- Airlines, railways, and cruise companies.
- Resorts, hotels, and national tourism boards.
- Adventure and eco-tourism operators.
- Health tourism and wellness providers.
- Travel agencies, tour operators, and online booking platforms.
This diversity of participants ensures that the fair represents the entire spectrum of the tourism sector.
Visitor Demographics
The fair attracts a broad range of visitors:
- Travel agents and corporate travel buyers.
- Diplomats and tourism policymakers.
- Luxury and leisure travelers.
- Adventure tourists, honeymooners, and families.
- Travel bloggers, influencers, and media professionals.
This mix of professional and general visitors makes the fair a powerful platform for business development and cultural exchange.
Side Events and Highlights
What sets ATF apart from other exhibitions are its engaging sideline events, including:
- Green Initiatives Showcase promoting sustainable practices.
- Community-Based Tourism Mart, featuring grassroots travel projects.
- Tourism Skills Conventions and training workshops.
- Seminars and panel discussions with industry experts.
- Cultural performances, offering a taste of Bangladesh’s traditions and hospitality.
These components add depth to the fair, transforming it into more than just a marketplace.
Participation Packages
For exhibitors, ATF offers a range of booth options tailored to different needs:
- Standard Booth (8×8 ft, 64 sq. ft.): USD 1500 (early bird USD 1200).
- Standard Booth (16×8 ft, 128 sq. ft.): USD 3000 (early bird USD 2400).
- Pavilion (16×16 ft, 256 sq. ft.): USD 6000 (early bird USD 4800).
Foreign exhibitors receive a comprehensive hospitality package including airport pickup, transportation, discounted hotel stays, visa support, and opportunities for B2B networking. Additional services such as multimedia setups, promotional staff, and cultural event participation are also available.
Conclusion: Dhaka as a Tourism Hub
The Asian Tourism Fair Dhaka 2025 highlights both the potential of Bangladesh as a tourism destination and the importance of regional collaboration in the travel industry. With its strong lineup of exhibitors, international participation, and diverse side events, ATF has become more than an exhibition—it is a platform for shaping the future of tourism in Asia.
For Bangladesh, the fair enhances its profile on the global stage, showcasing its natural wonders, cultural heritage, and growing tourism infrastructure. For the wider Asian region, ATF serves as a bridge, creating opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and growth in a sector that continues to play a vital role in economic development.
As Dhaka welcomes the world to this landmark event, the message is clear: Bangladesh is ready to position itself as a key player in the global tourism map, offering travelers a blend of authenticity, culture, and opportunity.
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