The American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB) and Jahangirnagar University (JU) jointly organized a Dissemination Meeting of the SOHO Project on 15 September 2026 at Ocean Paradise Hotel & Resort, Cox’s Bazar. The event was attended by more than 50 participants, including representatives from the Deputy Commissioner’s Office, tourism authorities, tourism academics, and other key stakeholders, to discuss smart and sustainable tourism development in Bangladesh.

The session was chaired by Dr. Vladimir Tanasiev, UPB, Romania, and Coordinator of the SOHO Project. The SOHO Bangladesh team was led by Prof. Dr. Md. Abdur Rahman, Pro-Vice Chancellor, AIUB, and Prof. Dr. M. Shamim Kaiser, Institute of Information Technology (IIT), Jahangirnagar University, along with other members of the SOHO Bangladesh team from both universities.

The presence of the Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC), Cox’s Bazar, together with senior officials and representatives from different stakeholder organizations, enriched the event and contributed valuable perspectives on tourism development, sustainability, technology adoption, and stakeholder collaboration.

During the meeting, participants were introduced to the objectives, activities, and expected outcomes of the SOHO – Smart, Optimized, High-quality, and On-demand Tourism Innovative Education for Sustainable and Green Development Project. Particular emphasis was placed on smart transportation, smart and sustainable accommodation, renewable energy integration, capacity building, and Knowledge and Competence Centres (KCCs).

The discussions highlighted the importance of stronger collaboration among academia, government, tourism authorities, and industry to support innovation, skills development, and sustainable tourism practices in Bangladesh.