Bangladesh Bank has allowed eligible operators to sell overseas tour packages to resident Bangladeshis in Taka, while permitting the corresponding foreign currency payments to be remitted to service providers abroad.
The central bank issued a circular on Sunday allowing members of Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh (TOAB) to offer the facility under specified conditions.
Under the new rules, eligible tour operators must have arrangements with overseas tour operators, hotels, or destination management companies.
Authorised Dealer (AD) banks will be allowed to remit foreign currency against packages covering accommodation, transportation, and other destination-related services.
Each traveller will be allowed to spend up to $3,000 per calendar year under the facility, outside the regular annual travel quota.
Tour operators will have to maintain passport-based records and obtain declarations from travellers confirming that they have not exceeded $3,000 annual limit through other operators.
Payments exceeding $3,000 may also be remitted where the tour package has been purchased in foreign currency using an international card. AD banks will be allowed to provide acquiring services for such card transactions.
Bangladesh Bank has instructed AD banks to report remittances made under the facility within seven days for post-facto scrutiny.
