Bangladesh steps up tourism with marathon and luxury hotel
- Paul Aage Hegvik
- Apr 22
- 4 min read
Bangladesh is stepping up its efforts to attract more international visitors with a renewed focus on tourism infrastructure and events.
From launching its first-ever tourism marathon in the capital to preparing a five-star hotel in the industrial town of Bhaluka, the country is signaling a shift in strategy.
These developments are part of a broader national push to diversify the economy, promote regional destinations, and transform how the world sees Bangladesh—not just as a place of business and diaspora visits, but as an emerging hub for travel and leisure.
Bangladesh is set to host its inaugural tourism-focused marathon, the Beautiful Bangladesh Run 2025, on Friday, April 25, at the picturesque Hatirjheel area in Dhaka.
Organized by the Aviation and Tourism Journalists Forum of Bangladesh (ATJFB) with support from the Bangladesh Tourism Board (BTB), this event aims to spotlight the nation's vibrant tourism and aviation sectors. This is according to United News of Bangladesh.
Event details
Start Time: 6:00 AM
Starting Point: Police Plaza, Hatirjheel
Race Categories:
7.5 km Competitive Run
2 km Family-Friendly Fun Run
Over 700 participants from various professions, particularly those linked to aviation and tourism, are expected to join this landmark event
A festival beyond running
Beyond the races, the event promises a festive atmosphere:
Raffle draws: All participants stand a chance to win exciting prizes.
Photo contest: Medals will be awarded to winners, encouraging participants to capture memorable moments.
Guest appearances: Renowned influencer Dr. Nasreen Akhtar Shimu will grace the event, alongside pace runners Shariar Morshed Siddique, Jannatul Ferdous Mitu, Dr. Md. Naim Hossain Khan, and KM Yasar Arafat Ami
Collaborative effort
The marathon is backed by a consortium of organizations:
Supporters: Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh, Tourist Police Bangladesh, Association of Travel Agents of Bangladesh (ATAB), Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh (TOAB), Electrolyte Drinks Active, Dhaka Wasa, Famous Specialized Hospital, and Famous Creation.
Co-Sponsors: Ethiopian Airlines, Air India, Fits Air, Share Trip, Eastern Bank, Viya Group, Bengal Air Lift, American Tourister, TPC, Titan, Samsonite, Skin Perfume, US-Bangla Airlines, NOVOAIR, and Air Astra.
A vision for tourism
President Tanzim Anwar for Aviation and Tourism Journalists' Forum of Bangladesh (ATJFB) emphasized the event's significance:
Our primary goal with the Beautiful Bangladesh Run is to showcase and promote the country's aviation and tourism sectors. This mega event will highlight the diverse opportunities within these promising sectors.
Chief Coordinator Shafiullah Suman added that the event aspires to be more than just a race, aiming to create a vibrant festival experience that celebrates Bangladesh's rich culture and hospitality.
Global participation
In a testament to its international appeal, foreign missions from over ten countries based in Dhaka are expected to participate, underscoring Bangladesh's commitment to promoting its tourism potential on a global stage
Bangladesh tourism arrivals in 2024
In 2024, Bangladesh saw a notable rise in international tourism, continuing the momentum from 2023. Around 650,000 foreign visitors entered the country, marking a 23% increase from 2022 and surpassing pre-pandemic levels.
This was the highest number of international arrivals recorded since tourism data tracking began in 2010. The largest group of visitors came from India, with approximately 290,000 arrivals, followed by tourists from the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, and Italy.
However, the majority of these arrivals were not leisure tourists. Only 25,000 to 30,000 were estimated to have visited purely for holiday or recreation. Most were non-resident Bangladeshis, business travelers, or participants in meetings and conferences (MICE tourism).
Tourism experts expect this upward trend to continue. Forecasts suggest that international arrivals could reach nearly 970,000 by 2029, reflecting a growth of over 100% compared to current levels.
Bangladesh has launched a national tourism master plan to improve infrastructure and global promotion, but challenges remain in implementation and institutional capacity.
New hotel is a part of the plans
In a significant development for Bangladesh's hospitality sector, Bhaluka, an industrial hub in the Mymensingh district, is set to welcome its first five-star hotel by June 2026. This initiative, is according to Travel and Tour World led by Best Holdings Ltd in collaboration with Marriott International, marks a strategic move to cater to the growing influx of business travelers in the region.
Situated approximately 60 kilometers north of Dhaka, Bhaluka has rapidly evolved into a bustling industrial zone, housing over 2,500 factories spanning textiles, pharmaceuticals, ceramics, agro-processing, and mobile phone assembly. The introduction of a luxury hotel aims to support this growth by providing premium accommodations and facilities for corporate visitors and international delegates.
The upcoming hotel, to be managed under the Marriott brand, will feature 224 rooms equipped with modern amenities tailored for business needs. Facilities will include high-speed internet, smart workstations, expansive meeting halls, executive lounges, wellness centers, fine dining restaurants, a business center, recreational spaces, spa services, and fitness facilities. Notably, the hotel will also boast an 18,800-square-foot infinity pool, enhancing its appeal to guests seeking both work and leisure experiences.
With the project currently 80% complete, the focus has shifted to interior finishing and final touches. The venture represents a significant investment of approximately Tk 1,172.69 crore, financed through a combination of bank loans and equity. Upon completion, it is expected to create over 200 direct jobs in various sectors, including guest services, food and beverage, administration, and maintenance, alongside numerous indirect employment opportunities in logistics, catering, transportation, and local sourcing.
This development underscores a broader trend of decentralizing luxury hospitality services in Bangladesh, traditionally concentrated in major cities like Dhaka and Chattogram. By extending high-end accommodations to emerging industrial areas, the country aims to bolster its infrastructure to support economic growth and attract foreign investment.
