The Tour Operators Association of Cox's Bazar (TOAC) is a non-profit organization that has been working tirelessly to promote and develop the tourism industry in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh. With a mission to enhance the tourism experience for both local and international visitors, TOAC has become a key player in the region's tourism landscape.
Founded in 2003, TOAC has grown to become the largest and most influential tourism association in Cox's Bazar, representing a diverse range of stakeholders, including tour operators, travel agencies, hotels, and other tourism-related businesses. The association is dedicated to fostering collaboration among its members and advocating for the interests of the tourism industry at both local and national levels.
A group of visionary young individuals united under an idealistic and philosophical stance, planting the seed of a dream that later became known as TOAC, the Tour Operators Association of Cox's Bazar (TOAC), which is officially recognized. At that time, it was truly a tourism revolution that never went astray, thanks to the dedicated efforts of our predecessors. Through their progressive endeavors, TOAC today stands as the vanguard of the tourism industry with 112 members, and it is the only officially recognized tourism organization in Cox's Bazar.
The philosophy and activities of TOAC are, in reality, difficult to express in mere words. Its scope and impact have consistently expanded, moving from the local level to the national and international stages. Whenever any obstacles have arisen in Cox's Bazar tourism, TOAC has always taken a leadership role in overcoming them. To cross the barriers for sustainable and contemporary tourism industry development, we have intellectual giants from both the grassroots level and the decision-making echelons of our founders and advisors.
Providing safe services to tourists, the association has long been committed to offering safe food, comfortable travel, lodging, tourism spot visits, or any personal recreational activity. TOAC 's members continue to provide one-stop service with cost-effective transactions at every step. Every member of TOAC is trained and acts as an ambassador of tourism with expertise.
Like any developing nation, there are various challenges; however, the structural framework of tourism, from civil aviation and tourism ministries, the Bangladesh Tourism Corporation, the Bangladesh Tourism Board, the district administration of Cox's Bazar, and the various NGOs and stakeholders involved, is well-maintained. TOAC organizes various programs, seminars, symposiums, and training sessions throughout the year. It also participates in promotional activities for the country's tourism, such as Beach Carnival, Tourism Fair, and Tourism Day.
In addition to its tourism efforts, TOAC plays an important role in social development, raising awareness about natural disasters, and distributing relief during events like COVID-19, floods, cyclones, and other critical situations in the country. TOAC has earned accolades by working alongside the district administration during these times.
The structural organization of TOAC is exemplary and democratic, operating on a 70/20 model. Every two years, an executive committee is formed through a mandate from the general members. The elected committee forms an advisory board with the organization's experienced and respected members. Both committees work together to implement the planned activities of the organization. The heart and soul of this organization, built on the collective spirit of our founding members, has led to the success of TOAC .
Our predecessors’ sense of taste, their vision, and their positive attitude towards tourism, alongside the promising capacity of the current generation, will, God willing, shape TOAC into the most premium and glorified tourism organization in Bangladesh.