Bangladesh Institute of ICT in Development (BIID) has launched www.travelline.com.bd namely TravelLine, a brand new ICT based initiative designed to boost the travel industry in Bangladesh.

The launching event was attended by Mr. G. M. Quader, Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism as the chief guest. Mr. Zet Mirzal Zainuddin, the Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia and Professor Mubina Khandokar, Chairperson of Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management of University of Dhaka attended the event as Special Guest. Other distinguished members of the tourism industry and general public were also present at the event.

Travel Line is a service which will provide tourism related information to potential tourists. Whenever a potential tourist wants information about a particular place in Bangladesh – such as what hotels are available, what the transport options are, what are the costs, how to get there, etc., that person can get in touch with Travel Line for the information, and they will be able to get the information conveniently. Travel Line will consist of four components:

• A web portal which will feature information about the various packages that are available to the clients – such as “Community Tourism” a package that is mainly aimed at foreign travelers.
• A short code service where the general public can get travel information relevant to them.
• A call line where clients can obtain the relevant information which they require to plan their trip.
• A help desk, called Service Centre, which will offer booking and transportation services and will manage the tour plan for the potential tourists.

The concept of ‘Community Tourism’ which has been introduced as one of the key service of TravelLine would serve as an introduction to rural Bangladesh to the many people who visit the country from abroad. BIID also working to integrate the telecentres established in rural areas of Bangladesh to become a part of this initiative to disseminate information as well as host for Community tourism.