Dhaka, July 11 -- Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday stressed the need for preparing a roadmap to promote Islamic tourism as a global brand to unlock the potentials of its rapidly growing market.

"The value of Islamic tourism market will increase to $243 billion by 2021 with an annual 8.3 percent growth. So, we'll have to take all-out efforts and prepare a roadmap aimed at promoting Islamic tourism as a global business brand, which will attract tourists further," she said.

The Prime Minister made the remarks while inaugurating the two-day official celebration programme of 'Dhaka the OIC City of Tourism-2019' at Intercontinental Hotel in the city.

According to a report, the number of Muslim tourists will rise to 180 million by 202...