Green Key Programme Launched in Bangladesh
A new milestone in promoting sustainable tourism and eco-friendly hospitality practices
With the official launch of the internationally recognized and esteemed Green Key Programme, Bangladesh marks the beginning of a new chapter in sustainable tourism. The programme aims to promote sustainable development and environmentally responsible practices within the hospitality and tourism sectors, aligning the country with global standards for eco-friendly operations.
Organized by Probha Aurora, the National Operator of the Green Key Programme in Bangladesh, and supported by the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Bangladesh Chapter, the launch event took place at the Dhaka Regency Hotel & Resort on October 29, 2025.
The ceremony was inaugurated by Emeritus Professor Dr. M. A. Sattar Mandal, Professorial Fellow at the Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS) and former Vice-Chancellor of Bangladesh Agricultural University. The session was chaired by Mr. Shahid Hamid, Chairman of the PATA Bangladesh Chapter, and moderated by tourism expert Syed Ghulam Qadir.
The event brought together distinguished representatives from government bodies, private organizations, academia, and tourism-related institutions, reflecting a unified commitment to fostering sustainable practices in the tourism and hospitality industries.
Joining virtually from Denmark as Guest of Honour, Mr. Finn Bolding Thomsen, International Green Key Director, delivered inspiring remarks highlighting the importance of integrating sustainability into national tourism strategies.
Among the special guests were a Board Member of the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), as well as representatives from UNESCO and the International Labour Organization (ILO). They, along with other esteemed national and international delegates, emphasized the vital role of environmental stewardship and global collaboration in shaping a more sustainable future for tourism in Bangladesh.
The Green Key Programme, recognized by UNESCO, UNEP, UNWTO, and the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), operates in over 90 countries and has certified more than 8,000 establishments worldwide. Its introduction in Bangladesh represents a significant milestone toward achieving environmentally responsible tourism, reducing the industry’s carbon footprint, and enhancing the nation’s global reputation for sustainability.
