"We have a good number of sites which have archeological and historical importance besides places of natural beauties. But we are failing to tap the potential," said Altaf Ali Sheikh, acting secretary to civil aviation and tourism ministry.

Joint efforts by hotels, airlines, and media can bring about positive results in the country's tourism industry, Sheikh told the inaugural function of the fair styled 'AKTEL Dhaka Travel Mart-2007' at Sheraton Hotel. Travel journal Bangladesh Monitor is organising the fair.

Hasan Mansur, president of Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh (Toab), said when overseas tourists visit India for Taj Mahal and Nepal for the Himalayas, they do not come to Bangladesh to see the longest sea beach of the world because they are not aware of it.

Bangladesh has the potential to eradicate poverty by promoting tourism, said MA Momen, managing director of Biman Bangladesh Airlines.

A total of 43 organisations from 11 countries, including Bangladesh, are displaying their services and products at 60 stalls at the fair, which remains open to visitors between 10am and 8pm everyday with a Tk20 entry fee.

Singapore Tourism Board, Malaysia Tourism, Nepal Tourism Board and Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation along with private hospitality, aviation and tourism companies are taking part in the show.

Mobile phone operator AKTEL is the title sponsor of the event, while The Daily Star, Channel i and Radio Today are the media partners.

Asif Iqbal, head of Marketing of AKTEL, Kazi Wahidul Alam, chairman of the travel mart, among others, spoke at the inaugural function.