Prime Minister Khaleda Zia yesterday put accent on infrastructure development for tourism growth, saying construction of hotels and motels and improvement of facilities are needed to boost the industry.

The prime minister was speaking at the inauguration of an extension of Dhaka Sheraton Hotel.

Tourism has been identified as a thrust sector as the government wants to develop it on priority basis, Khaleda said.

The prime minister also stressed the need for portraying a positive image of Bangladesh to develop tourism.

"Globalisation has left us to face different challenges of different magnitudes. It has also brought certain opportunities. We have to face the challenges and exploit the opportunities at the same time," she said.

Khaleda said for the attraction of the tourists, the government has already declared Cox's Bazar, Kuakata and the Sundarbans, the world's largest mangrove forest, as special tourist zones.

She said her government has declared the first-ever National Tourism Policy in line with the open market economy in addition to taking steps to create an investment-friendly climate for flourishing the tourism industry.

The extension, a project of Tk 65.85 crore, covers 55 guestrooms including five suites, two conference rooms, one boardroom and two meeting rooms. The expansion also facilitates a new lobby, tea lounge, prayer room and large pre-function area.

State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism Mir Mohammad Nasiruddin his ministry has involved private sector to promote tourism.

A tourism board has also been established for the development of the sector, he said.

Four more tourist motels of Parjaton Corporation at Khagrachhari and Bandarban in Chittagong hill tracts and at Benapole and Sagardari in Jessore will be inaugurated within 15 days, the state minister said.

Bangladesh Services Limited (BSL), a government owned firm, is the owner of 99.68 per cent shares of the hotel. Sheraton Overseas Management Corporation (SOMC), which operates more than 400 hotels and resorts in 70 countries, runs the hotel.

To celebrate the inauguration of the extension, the hotel has chalked out weeklong programme.

Dhaka Sheraton Hotel started its journey in 1966 as Dhaka Intercontinental. In 1984, the SOMC took over its management.

Major MA Mannan (rtd) MP, Civil Aviation and Tourism Secretary Shafiqul Islam and Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, Inc Vice-president Erhard Hotter were also present at the function.