DHAKA, Sept. 28 (Xinhua) -- Bangladesh celebrated the World Tourism Day on Thursday with colorful programs under the global theme "Tourism and the Digital Transformation".

Bangladesh Tourism Board (BTB), the National Tourism Organization (NTO) and Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation (BPC), under the supervision of the country's Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry, arranged a series of programs as part of observing the day.

The day's program began with a colorful rally in Dhaka led by Bangladeshi Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister AKM Shahjahan Kamal.

Different organizations are showcasing various tourism-related products and activities.

On occasion of the World Tourism Day, entertainment App "Linkus" developed by Chinese firm Linkus Network Technology Bangladesh Limited organized a cultural program at the Starwood managed Westin Dhaka five-star hotel.

The Chinese firm also launched a beauty contest here marking the day.

Bangladesh's national dailies published special supplements while television and radio broadcast various programs marking the day which is also being celebrated with many events including folk music, discounts on food and accommodations at hotels including Pan Pacific Sonargaon.

The five-star hotel, owned by the government of Bangladesh and operated by Pan Pacific Hotels and Resorts, like previous years displayed fruits, vegetables and different types of local fish as part of observing the World Tourism Day and offered special discounts for foodies.

Since 1980, the United Nations World Tourism Organization has celebrated World Tourism Day on Sept. 27.