Eliza Binte Elahi Inspires Heritage Tourism Dialogue at Special Session
Renowned traveller Eliza Binte Elahi shares her journey and vision to promote Bangladesh as a global heritage tourism destination
Bangladesh’s growing tourism sector witnessed an inspiring gathering yesterday, as renowned traveller, researcher, and heritage tourism advocate Eliza Binte Elahi shared her remarkable journey and vision for promoting heritage tourism in the country.
The session, held on 27 March 2026, brought together tourism enthusiasts, learners, and professionals for an engaging discussion on Bangladesh’s untapped historical and cultural wealth. The event was arranged by Mr. Taufiq Rahman, Chief Executive of Journey Plus and Secretary General of PATA Bangladesh Chapter, held at KFD Express restaurant in Banani.
A Journey Across Borders and History
Eliza Binte Elahi is widely recognized as a global traveller who has explored 61 countries alongside completing an extraordinary journey across all 64 districts of Bangladesh. Her travels are not merely about destinations, but deeply rooted in uncovering history, heritage, and cultural narratives of each place she visits.
Identifying herself as a history enthusiast, Eliza has dedicated her work to bridging the gap between tourism and heritage awareness. Her initiative, “Quest – A Heritage Journey of Bangladesh,” has been a pioneering effort in documenting the country’s historical and archaeological richness since its inception in 2016.
Championing Heritage Tourism in Bangladesh
Through her QUEST project, Eliza has systematically explored and documented heritage sites across Bangladesh, aiming to position the country as a global heritage tourism destination. The second phase of the project further expands into traditional food, clothing, and music—elements that define the cultural identity of the nation.
She highlighted during the session that Bangladesh’s historical significance once attracted legendary travellers such as Ibn Battuta, Xuanzang, and Ralph Fitch—a legacy she believes must be rediscovered and promoted globally.
Writer, Researcher, and Storyteller
Beyond travelling, Eliza is an accomplished author with six published travel books and two notable interview-based works. She regularly contributes travelogues in both Bangla and English to national and international publications.
Her creative work also extends to history-based documentaries, including projects that explore Bangladesh’s lesser-known stories and personalities. Through these efforts, she continues to educate and inspire a wider audience about the importance of preserving heritage.
Recognition and Achievements
Eliza’s contributions have earned her several prestigious accolades, including:
- National Film Award 2023
- Participation in the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP 2022) by the United States Government
- Prothom Alo Volunteer Award 2019
She has also received multiple national and international recognitions for her role in advancing Bangladesh’s tourism industry, particularly in the niche of heritage tourism.
Inspiring the Next Generation
During the session, Eliza emphasized the immense potential of Bangladesh’s tourism sector and the urgent need to address existing challenges such as lack of information, trained guides, and structured tourism services.
She expressed her vision to empower young entrepreneurs and women through tourism, encouraging them to engage actively in the industry and contribute to sustainable development.
A Step Forward for Tourism Awareness
The event concluded with an interactive discussion, leaving participants motivated to explore and contribute to Bangladesh’s tourism landscape. Sessions like this continue to play a vital role in building awareness and fostering professional interest in heritage tourism, a sector with significant growth potential for the country.
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