The Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management (THM) at the
World University of Bangladesh (WUB) successfully organized a specialized guest
lecture session on November 10, 2025 (Monday), featuring Mr. Syed Ghulam Qadir,
the esteemed Secretary General of the World Tourism Network (WTN), Bangladesh
Chapter.
The
session, held from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, was attended by a large and
enthusiastic audience comprising students from various batches of the THM
program. The initiative aimed to bridge the gap between academic learning and
real-world industry demands by bringing leading professionals to campus.
Mr.
Qadir, a veteran in the tourism sector, delivered a compelling lecture that
provided students with a deep and practical understanding of the industry landscape.
He began with a historical overview of tour operations in Bangladesh, tracing
the evolution of the domestic travel market and highlighting key milestones
that have contributed to the growth of tourism in the country.
He
further shared valuable insights on the current tourism situation in Bangladesh
and globally. Mr. Qadir discussed post-pandemic recovery trends, the rapid
growth of eco-tourism, and increasing international interest in Bangladesh’s
heritage and nature-based destinations. He emphasized that understanding global
tourism dynamics is essential for students aspiring to become future leaders in
this competitive sector.
The
core focus of the discussion revolved around career development within the
tourism and hospitality industries, both in Bangladesh and internationally. Mr.
Qadir highlighted the growing global demand for skilled professionals and
offered practical advice on how students can strategically build and advance
their careers in this dynamic field. He stressed the importance of skill
development, networking, and professionalism to succeed globally.
Additionally,
he underscored the need for strong ethical practices in tourism operations. Mr.
Qadir urged students to uphold integrity, transparency, and cultural
sensitivity when dealing with clients, communities, and partners. Ethical
tourism, he noted, not only sustains business credibility but also strengthens
Bangladesh’s image as a responsible travel destination.
Mr.
Qadir also encouraged young graduates to embrace entrepreneurship in tourism,
particularly in areas such as travel startups, local experience curation, and
digital travel services. He motivated students to think creatively and use
innovation to create new opportunities aligned with sustainable tourism goals.
Another
key area of his lecture focused on the role of professional tour guiding. He
described tour guides as cultural ambassadors who shape travelers’ first
impressions of a destination. Mr. Qadir advised students to develop
storytelling abilities, in-depth local knowledge, and cross-cultural
communication skills to excel as professional guides.
Professor
Mohammed Nasimul Azim, Head and Director of the Department of Tourism and
Hospitality Management (THM) at WUB, commented on the success of the event,
stating:
“Our
goal is to prepare industry-ready leaders, not just graduates. Mr. Qadir’s deep
insights into the history of our tour operations, the current global tourism
landscape, and his guidance on ethical professionalism, entrepreneurship, and
tour guiding are invaluable lessons that go far beyond the classroom
curriculum. We thank the Secretary General of the World Tourism Network (WTN),
Bangladesh Chapter, for his continued support in mentoring our students.”
Md.
Abdul Latif Mahmud, Assistant Professor and Academic Coordinator of the
Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management (THM) at WUB, along with
faculty members Sara Murtaza, Md. Morsalin, and Pulak Sarker, were present
during the session.
The
event concluded with an interactive question-and-answer segment, allowing
students to engage directly with Mr. Qadir on specific career queries and
market trends.
The
Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management at WUB reaffirmed its
commitment to regularly hosting such industry experts to ensure that its
students remain at the forefront of global tourism and hospitality practices,
equipped with the knowledge, ethics, and entrepreneurial spirit needed to
become tomorrow’s tourism leaders.
