Dhaka: Tour operators in Bangladesh have been granted a new provision to sell foreign travel packages to resident Bangladeshi citizens in the local currency, Taka. This development comes under a fresh directive issued by Bangladesh Bank, aimed at simplifying the payment processes for international travel.

According to United News of Bangladesh, the central bank issued a circular on August 9, allowing members of the Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh (TOAB) to collect travel package fees in Taka and remit the equivalent foreign currency to service providers abroad. This directive is expected to streamline operations for tour operators who have formal agreements or commercial understandings with international counterparts, such as foreign tour operators, hotels, or destination management companies.

Additionally, Authorized Dealer (AD) banks have been authorized to send foreign currency overseas for actual travel-related services, which include accommodation and transportation costs. The new arrangement permits the remittance of up to US $3,000 per traveler per calendar year, in addition to the regular annual travel quota.

To utilize this facility, it is mandatory for tour operators to maintain comprehensive transaction records linked to each traveler’s passport number. Furthermore, operators are required to secure a formal declaration from travelers, confirming that they have not exceeded the annual limit through any other tour operator.

The circular also maintains provisions for remitting amounts that exceed the $3,000 threshold, under specified conditions, ensuring flexibility for travelers with higher financial needs.