The Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh (TOAB) was formed in 1992 by tourism agencies to overcome problems in the industry and promote tourism in Bangladesh internationally. It was recognized by the Bangladeshi government in 2002 and currently has 751 members. TOAB works to encourage domestic and foreign tourism by promoting Bangladesh's attractions at international trade shows and other events. It also supports the government's tourism ministry and organizations through collaboration and policy consultation.

1. Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh
Md Shaifullar Rabbi
Tourism Educator and Consultant
BBA & MBA ,Major in Tourism & Hospitality Management
University of Dhaka

2. Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh (TOAB)
Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh
(TOAB) was formed in the year of 1992. This
was the time when a handful of agencies
operating tours inside Bangladesh, felt the
need of such an association or trade body to
overcome immense problems and difficulties
being faced by them regularly. Besides this,
the other main objective or aim of the
organization was to develop and nourish
tourism in Bangladesh and to promote the
tourism products of Bangladesh in the
international arena. After a long wait and
completion of different formalities, the
association was recognized as a trade
organization by the Ministry of Commerce,
Government of the People's Republic of
Bangladesh in 2002. Currently, TOAB is
having 751 active Members.

3. • The main goal and objective of TOAB are to encourage foreign tourists
to visit our country's tourist attractions and establishments and to
work for the development of domestic tourism in Bangladesh.
• From the very beginning, TOAB has been promoting and attracting
foreign tourists to visit the tourist attractions of our country and has
been working tirelessly for the development of domestic tourism in
Bangladesh.
• TOAB Members conduct around 90% of the tour operation in
Bangladesh.
• They are playing an important role in the economic development of
Bangladesh by earning foreign exchange through inbound tourism.
• TOAB also maintains excellent relationships with the Ministry of Civil
Aviation and Tourism, Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation, Bangladesh
Tourism Board, FBCCI, and other tourism associations and trade
bodies. Since its inception, TOAB supports the Ministry, BPC, BTB in
different policy-making processes.

4. Functions and Activities ofTOAB
• TOAB Members regularly participate in the different tourism fairs in Asia, Europe,
and North America, etc., and contribute to branding Bangladesh around the world.
• Since the beginning of TOAB, its members have been actively participating in
different international trade fairs like ITB - Berlin, BIT - Milan, FITUR - Madrid,
WTM - London, ATE - Sydney, BITE - Beijing, ATM - Dubai, KOTFA - Seoul,
COTTM - Beijing, JATA - Tokyo, MITT - Moscow, MATTA - Kuala Lumpur, ATA
Travel Mart - Bangkok, TTF - Kolkata, OTM - Mumbai, SATTE – Delhi, etc. in
collaboration with the Ministry ofTourism and BangladeshTourism Board.
• TOAB also participates in different local and regional tourism exhibitions
organized by the Tourism Ministry, Bangladesh Tourism Board, and Bangladesh
Parjatan Corporation.
• TOAB organizes Bangladesh Travel and Tourism Fair (BTTF) every year which is
the largest international tourism fair in Bangladesh. It is to be noted that the
TOAB BTTF 2019 was inaugurated by the Hon'ble President of the People's
Republic of Bangladesh Mr. Md.Abdul Hamid.
Source- https://www.toab.org/index.php?action=page&page_id=6

5. • TOAB observes World Tourism Day with day-long programs
every year. TOAB organizes workshops, seminars, and training
programs around the year.
• TOAB organizes various FAM Trips, Tourism Awareness
Programs, Roadshows throughout the year to promote and
expand the country's tourist attractions and facilities. These
programs attend by the TOAB President, Board of Directors,
Hon’ble Members, TOAB Officials, Govt. Officials, journalists of
print and electronic media, and tourism-related personalities.
• TOAB works together with Bangladesh Tourism Board for the
branding of Bangladesh for the purpose of unveiling new
tourist attractions and promoting existing tourist attractions.