President Abdul Hamid urged on Thursday the authorities concerned to highlight Bangladesh's heritage along with tourist spots in a smarter way to attract foreign visitors, report agencies.

He said Bangladesh is rich with natural and historical sites that uphold our glorious past from century to century.

"Tourist spots, including our heritage, will have to be highlighted in a smarter way to the foreigners," President Hamid said.

"Our embassies in different countries along with the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism will have to play an active role in this regard."

The heritage, natural beauty, rituals, and versatile life style of Bangla deeply attract the tourists, he said.

The President came up with the remarks while speaking at the inauguration of 9th Bangladesh Travel and Tourism Fair organised by Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh (TOAB) in the city's Bangabandhu International Conference Centre.

President Hamid reminded everyone that foreign visitors are our guests and urged all to ensure that they can travel to Bangladesh in a relaxed and pleasant environment and get fascinated by hospitality.

He noted that the number of deserving countries for On-Arrival Visa has been increased while Bangladesh missions provide e-visa in the fastest possible time, facilitating visa procedures.

The President said he is elated to learn that Bangladesh has been elected as the new Chairperson for the year 2018-2019 at the 10th Islamic Conference of Tourism Ministers (ICTM). Dhaka city has been declared as "Dhaka, the OIC City of Tourism" for the year 2019.

"To make foreign tourists interested in Bangladesh, such type of fair will make a positive contribution. It'll also improve the relations with the friends, flourish the tourism industry and enrich the national economy," he said

Mahbub Ali, the new State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism, spoke as the special guest.