The government is taking special initiatives to attract both domestic and foreign tourists to the hill districts, which hold immense potential for tourism, Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Minister Dipen Dewan said Sunday.
He added, “There are some public concerns and propaganda about tourist safety in the country’s hill districts, which is why foreign tourists feel hesitant to travel.”
Dewan was speaking at a views‑exchange meeting on tourism development in the hill tracts, organised Sunday night in Rangamati by the Resort Owners Association.
The minister said an increase in foreign arrivals would boost foreign currency earnings, reduce local unemployment, and improve livelihoods.
He noted that measures are being taken to ensure the safety of foreign tourists and allow them unrestricted travel, creating wider opportunities for visits to the hill districts.
Acknowledging administrative obstacles to foreign travel in the region, he said discussions are underway at higher levels of government to resolve these issues.
On negative publicity, Dewan said, “We must collectively end this culture of spreading fear. Only then will people freely enjoy the beauty of the hills.” He urged the media to counter negative perceptions and promote positive coverage.
Referring to Kaptai Lake, he said, “The vast waters of Kaptai Lake are a national asset. The government has plans to achieve economic prosperity in the tourism sector centered on this lake.”
Resort Owners Association Rangamati President Tanoy Dewan chaired the meeting. Vice‑president Lalit Chandra Chakma, general secretary Sumet Chakma, district BNP leader Subhash Chakma, member Bappi Tonchongya, and other local leaders were also present.
