The Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism recently issued the order which it says would enable the association to play a watchdog-role to check irregularities and bring an end to unhealthy competition among agencies.

Sources say some travel agencies often make false bookings and sell tickets at zero commission to lure clients that creates an unhealthy business environment.

Earlier, Atab forwarded a set of proposals to the ministry including mandatory membership of the trade body. In its set of proposals, Atab said some travel agencies are indulging in unethical business in absence of a regulatory body and guidelines.

Atab says it was possible to bring discipline in the readymade garment sector and recruiting agency business after the government made it mandatory for such enterprises to be members of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association and Bangladesh Association of International Recruiting Agencies respectively.

According to Atab, some 1,500 companies have licences to run travel agency business, of which 550 are currently active in business but only 350 of them are now members of the association.

Atab President MA Muhaimin Saleh said the mandatory membership would encourage a healthy competition to benefit the customers. The association is also working on a code of conduct for agents which will help increase transparency in the business, he added.

The association said the proposed code will cover all aspects of travel agency business regarding agency commission, relationship with airlines, training, booking system and punitive measures in case of violation of rules by any agency.

The association also plans to set up a training institute for the staffs of travel agency houses and seeks necessary support from the civil aviation ministry and airlines operating in Bangladesh to implement the plan.

Atab also sought establishment of passenger assistance desks at all international airports in Bangladesh to provide quality services for foreign guests like that opened earlier for garment buyers.