Tour operators have been advised to upgrade the skills of the people (in-charge) of tour operation/tourism marketing for the overall betterment of the sector.

DCCI Director Nasir Hossain gave the advise while speaking as the chief guest at the concluding ceremony of a training course organised by the DBI on "Tour Management for Tour Operators" in the city recently, said a press release.

He said tourism is an important and potential area for growth of service sector in Bangladesh. Bangladesh was one of the few countries in the world, which has many natural and historical tourism sites, he said.

Our neighbouring countries like India, Nepal, Bhutan, the Maldives and Sri Lanka had gone far ahead of Bangladesh in this connection and were earning valuable foreign currencies from their tourism sector, he mentioned.

The course gave an idea about tourism industry in Bangladesh, qualities of tour operators, types of tours, travel services, service requirement, guiding, guiding technique, guide services, language and body language, how to work as a leader? tour itinerary, flight schedule, travel terminology and administration, logistics management and role-play based on actual tour situations, awareness of changes to bookings, legal and regulatory factors and maintaining records.

Deputy Secretary (Training) and Course Coordinator Md Shamsuddin Azad moderated the session.

Participants from different business organisations took part in the course, the release added.