Assignment
on
Rural Tourism Development in Bangladesh :
Problems & Prospects
Prepared For
Prof. Dr. Md. Afzal Hosssain
Professor
Dept. of Tourism & Hospitality Management (EMBA)
Prepared By
Arham Akhyar Niloy
ID: 71930016
Course
Fundamental of Tourism and Hospitality Department
Code: 6001
Date of Submission
04/09/2021
1
Contents
Rural Tourism Development in Bangladesh: Problems & Prospects ...................................................................... 3
1. Introduction .......................................................................................................................................................... 3
1.1 Concept of tourism ......................................................................................................................................... 3
1.2 Nature of tourism ........................................................................................................................................... 3
1.3 Importance of tourism .................................................................................................................................... 4
1.4 Impact of tourism ........................................................................................................................................... 4
2. Types of tourism .............................................................................................................................................. 4
i) Leisure Tourism ....................................................................................................................................... 4
ii) Cultural tourism ....................................................................................................................................... 5
iii) Religious tourism ................................................................................................................................. 5
iv) Family Tourism .................................................................................................................................... 5
v) Health Tourism ........................................................................................................................................ 5
vi) Sports Tourism ..................................................................................................................................... 5
vii) Educational Tourism ............................................................................................................................ 5
viii) Business Tourism ................................................................................................................................. 5
3. Literature Review............................................................................................................................................. 5
3.1 Bangladesh at a glance and its tourism policy ............................................................................................... 6
3.2 Institutions of tourism management in Bangladesh ....................................................................................... 6
3.3 Objectives of tourism policy – 2010 .............................................................................................................. 6
3.4 Tourist spots in Bangladesh ........................................................................................................................... 7
4. Methodology .................................................................................................................................................... 8
5. Data Analysis and Results................................................................................................................................ 8
5.1 Present status of tourism in Bangladesh ........................................................................................................ 8
5.2 Contribution of tourism in the Bangladesh economy .................................................................................. 10
6. Prospects and Problems of Tourism Sector ....................................................................................................... 12
6.1 Prospects of Tourism industry in Bangladesh.............................................................................................. 12
6.2 Challenges of Tourism Sector ...................................................................................................................... 12
6.2.1 Problems of Bangladesh tourism industry ............................................................................................ 12
7. Conclusion and Recommendations .................................................................................................................... 13
8. References .......................................................................................................................................................... 14
2
Rural Tourism Development in Bangladesh: Problems & Prospects
Abstract: Bangladesh is full of natural beauty. Rivers, coasts and beaches, archaeological sites,
religious places, hills, forests, waterfalls, tea gardens surround it. The Sundarban, Historic Mosque
in city of Bagerhat, Ruins of the Buddihist Vihara at Paharpur are the three world heritage sites in
Bangladesh among 1007. To observe the beauty of nature, huge amount of domestic and foreign
tourists visit the country and its tourist attraction sites. In 2012, around six-lakh (6 hundred
thousand) tourists came Bangladesh to visit and enjoy its beauty. The total contribution of tourism
to GDP was 4.4%, 3.8% to employment and 1.5% to investment in 2013. Bangladesh Parjatan
Corporation (BPC) looks after the tourism sector in Bangladesh under the ministry of Civil
Aviation and Tourism. Due to some limitations, Bangladesh has failed to introduce itself as a
tourist destination country. The paper tries to focus on the attractive tourist spots of Bangladesh and
the contribution of tourism in the Bangladesh economy. The major concern of the writer is to
highlight the factors by which Bangladesh can be one of the major tourist attractive country in the
world in near future.
Keywords: Tourism, Economy, Bangladesh, Tourism impact on economy, Prospects and Problems
of Tourism sector in
Bangladesh.
1. Introduction
1.1 Concept of tourism
Tourism is a travel for recreation, religious, leisure, family or business purposes, usually for a
limited duration. Tourism can be domestic or international. Nowadays, tourism is one of the major
source of income for many countries. There is no consensus concerning the definition of tourism;
its definition varies source by source, person by person. Guyer Feuler first defined tourism in 1905.
In order to prevent the disaccords to define “Tourism”, UNWTO defined it as it is indicated below:
“Tourism comprises the activities of persons traveling and staying in places outside their usual
environment for not more than one consecutive year for leisure, business and other purposes”.
Tourism is different from travel. Not all travel is tourism. In order for tourism to happen, there must
be a displacement. Three criteria are used simultaneously in order to characterize a travel as
tourism:
Criteria-1: it involves a displacement outside the usual
environment; Criteria-2: the travel must occur for any
purpose;
Criteria-3: only a maximal duration is mentioned, not a minimal. Tourism displacement can be with
or without an overnight stay.
1.2 Nature of tourism
Tourism is a service industry. It has become a very complex activity encompassing a wide range of
relationships. Resulting in the improvements in standard of living and disposable income with more
leisure time, the overall numbers of tourists are expected to grow further. Factors like convenient
transport, no restrictions on travel, availability of information on various tourist spots and new
marketing techniques contributed the growth of overall number of tourists
3
in the present world. Additionally, a number of socio-demographic factors such as higher educational
standards, advancement in information technology, rapid urbanization have strongly influenced the
growth of tourism.
1.3 Importance of tourism
Tourism is an important driver of economic growth. Besides this, People have an opportunity to
exchange culture. Tourism can earn huge amount of foreign currency. Tourism can support the
Balance of Payment (BOP) of a country. Tourism can create employment.
1.4 Impact of tourism
Tourism can bring many economic, social and environmental benefits, particularly in rural areas
and developing countries, yet mass tourism is also associated with negative effects. Tourism can
only be sustainable if it is carefully managed so that probable negative effects on the host
community and the environment are not permitted to outweigh the financial benefits.
There are economic, socio-cultural and environmental key benefits of tourism.
i) Economic benefit: Tourism can provide direct jobs to the community, such as tour guides
and hotel housekeeping. Indirect employment is generated through other industries like agriculture,
food production and retail. Infrastructure development and visitors’ expenditure generates income
for the local community and can lead to the alleviation of poverty.
ii) Social benefit: In addition to the revenue, tourism can bring about a real sense of pride and
identity to communities. It allows them to look at their history, and community identity. This helps
the local residents to maintain their tradition and culture.
iii) Environmental benefit: Tourism provides financial support for the conservation of
ecosystems and natural resource management, making the destination more authentic and desirable
to visitors.
Negative effects of tourism are also not ignorable. These are:
i) Negative economic effect: Jobs created by tourism are often seasonal and poorly paid, yet
tourism can push up local property prices and the cost of goods and services. Place of tourism can
be affected by terrorism.
ii) Negative social effect: Visitor’s behavior can have a detrimental effect on the quality of life
of the host community. For example, crowding and congestion, drugs and alcohol problems can
occur. Interaction with tourists can also lead to an erosion of traditional cultures and values.
iii) Negative environmental effect: Tourism poses a threat to a region’s culture and natural
resources, through overuse.
2. Types of tourism
The type of tourism depends on the reason for travel. Travel can be to destinations that are
domestic or international. Domestic tourism involves residents travelling only within their country.
International tourism may be inbound or outbound. Inbound tourism involves non-residents
travelling within a country. Outbound tourism involves residents travelling within another country.
Based on the purpose of visit, tourism is categorized into the following:
i) LeisureTourism
Tourists may travel to experience a change in climate and place and learn something new about the
4
culture of a destination. Tourists, who seek break from the stress of day-to-day life, devote their
holiday to rest, relaxation and refresh themselves. These tourists prefer to stay in some quiet and
relaxed destination preferably at a hill resort, beach resort or island resort.
ii) Cultural tourism
Culture is one of the most important factors, which attract tourists to a destination. Cultural tourism
gives insight to a way of people’s life of a distant land, its dressing, jewelry, dance, music culture,
as well as architecture, customs and traditions, fairs and festivals.
iii) Religious tourism
It is a form of tourism, where people travel individually or in groups for pilgrimage. Modern
religious tourists visit holy cities and holy sites around the world.
iv) Family Tourism
Family tourism involves the family unit and their participation in diverse forms of tourism activity.
This includes visiting one’s relatives and friends for interpersonal reasons.
v) Health Tourism
Health tourism is also called as medical tourism. Today, many people travel great distances to
exotic locations in search of medical treatment. Medical tourism is an old-aged concept that has
gained popularity in the recent times. Many developing countries are emerging as hot medical
tourism destinations capitalizing on low cost advantages. Many hospitals have specially designed
packages including resorts facilities.
vi) Sports Tourism
Sports Tourism refers to travel which involves either viewing or participating in a sporting event
staying apart from their usual environment. Normally these kinds of events are the motivators that
attract visitors to visit the events like Olympic Games, FIFA World Cup etc.
vii) Educational Tourism
Educational tourism developed because of the growing popularity of teaching and learning of
knowledge and the enhancing of technical competency outside of the classroom environment. In
educational tourism, the focus of the tour is visiting another country to learn about the culture, such
as in Student Exchange Programs and Study Tours, organizing specialized lectures of the eminent
personalities and visiting for research.
Business Tourism
viii)
Tourists visit a particular destination for various reasons pertaining to his work such as attending a
business meeting, conferences, conventions selling products, meeting with clients. Business
tourism is popularly called as MICE (Meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions) tourism.
3. Literature Review
Bangladesh government reformed the national tourism policy in 2010. Aims and goals of this policy
is to increase employment, ensure economic development, environmental purity and sustainability
(Siraj et al., 2009). The major objective of the policy is to develop Eco-tourism through
conservation of natural resources and promote well-being of the community, preservation of
cultural values of the local community and their participation and sharing benefits. Government of
5
Bangladesh launched an act of “Protected areas of tourism and special tourism zone (Kabir et al.,
2012). Bangladesh is the country in the region that have the least arrivals and revenue earned from
tourism industry (Pennington and Thomsen, 2010). Tourism is one of the profitable sectors in
Bangladesh (Elena et al., 2012). Tourism sector of Bangladesh is facing many obstacles (Arif,
Islam-2011). In this current study, data from several secondary international sources have been used
to analyze the pattern of tourism in Bangladesh. Policy recommendations have also been provided
based on this analysis.
3.1 Bangladesh at a glance and its tourism policy
Situated between Myanmar and India with the Bay of Bengal in the South, Bangladesh is the small
country. It gained independence from Britain in 1947, becoming East Pakistan. On 16th December,
1971, Bangladesh achieved its sovereign independence under the leadership of Bangabondhu Sheik
Mujibur Rahman after a bloody liberation war against the Pakistani Army on 26th March. The
official and main language is Bangla, but there are many small tribal language groups. Dhaka is the
capital. Dhaka, Chittagong, Khulna, Rajshahi, Sylhet, Barisal and Rongpur are the major cities.
Bangladesh is mainly an agricultural country.
3.2 Institutions of tourism management in Bangladesh
Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation (BPC) is an autonomous body under the ministry of Civil
Aviation and Tourism established in 1972. Basic target of BPC is to expand the tourism sector and
provide the service for local and foreign tourist. National Hotel and Tourism Training Institute
(NHTTI) is an institute for professional tourism management training. NHTTI was established in
1974 under Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation. This institute offers courses to ensure trained
personnel for hotel and tourism industry. NHTTI started a two-year long diploma course in hotel
management in 1994. Institute also provides the job training for BPC personnel and arrange special
seminar, workshop related to tourism development. Another important institution supporting the
development of tourism is Bangladesh Tourism Board. Bangladesh Tourism Board established in
2010 to meet the strong demand for private sector and the tourism professionals. It is affiliated with
United Nations World Tourism Organizations (UNWTO).
3.3 Objectives of tourism policy – 2010
1) To construct various rules under the law where the main objective is to fill in the gap of existing
tourism rules and let regulations proceed;
2) To develop tourism industries through various planning related activities and side by side give
advice as well as directions;
3) To create general awareness regarding tourism protection, development and exploration;
4) To execute responsible tourism through creation of some helping hand on behalf of government
like as personal sector, local people, local administration, NGO, women federation, media;
5) To create better communication channel for the International Tourists Organizations in
Bangladesh with both government and private tourism related organizations;
6) To create a strong and safe foothold for the Bangladeshi Tourist by coordinating with respective
government organizations;
7) To create a tourism friendly environment in Bangladesh and to market its tourism potential in
both domestic and foreign nations;
8) To develop human resource for tourism sector by creating training facilities and provide them
6
with the right directions;
9) To attract tourists by maintaining quality and relevant material which in turn can provide smooth
tourism service and ensuring necessary actions that need to be taken for maintenance;
10) To ensure the participation of physically challenged people;
11) To protect women rights and ensure their participation in the tourism sector;
12) To research on tourism industry, to survey international markets and to analyze the data.
3.4 Tourist spots in Bangladesh
Tourist spots in Bangladesh are not concentrated in any particular place. Instead, they are scattered
throughout the country. Division wise, we can present the tourist spots in Bangladesh as in Table 1.
Jaflong: Jaflong is one of the best natural tourist spot in Sylhet. It is situated at the border between
Bangladesh and the Indian state of Meghalaya. It is takes two hours to drive. Tourist can learn
something from the lifestyle of Tribe Khasia in Jaflong.
Ratargul: Ratargul is a fresh water swamp forest situated in Sylhet by the river of Goain. The
water comes here from the adjacent Goain River. The flavor of Amazon forest is available there.
Madhabkunda waterfall: This is one of the largest waterfalls in Bangladesh. It is situated in
Moulvibazar District. On the way visitors can see the greenish beauty of tea garden and the hills.
Rubber and lemon plantations form a beautiful landscape.
Satchari National Park: This Park is in Habiganj District. Wildlife in this park is rich.
Bisanakandi: Bisanakandi is situated at Bangladesh-India border in Sylhet. It is a landscape beauty
among gardens and hills. Winter is not a suitable time to visit Bisnakandi due to mechanised
mining and stone-laden boats and lorries.
Srimongal: Srimongal is famous for the largest tea gardens of world. Most of the tea estates are in
Srimongal. It is called "The land of two leaves and a bud". It is known as the tea capital in
Bangladesh. Bangladesh Tea Research Institute (BTRI) and Tea Museum are functioning there.
Lawacherra Rain Forest: Well-reserved forests in Bangladesh. Prime attraction of this forest is
rare Chloroform tree of Asia. It is like "A Piece of Paradise".
Patenga Sea Beaches: It is about 22 km. from Chittagong city. Besides the sea beach, you can
enjoy boating and river cruise in the River Karnaphuli.
Port Area: This is the principal sea port of Bangladesh.
Cox's Bazar: World longest (120 km long) beach .Winter is the season to visit the Cox’s Bazar.
St. Martins Island: St. Martins Island is the most beautiful Coral Island.
Himchori : Himchori is famous for waterfall. Visitor can reach there by jeep from Cox’s Bazar.
Parki beach: It is situated in Anwarathana under southern Chittagong region.
Lalmai, Moinamoti and Shalbon Bihar: They are famous historical and archeological places
around Comilla city. Rangamati: If you don't visit Rangamati you will unable to discover a big
portion of natural beauties of Bangladesh. Khagrachari: Khagrachhari is the natural wild beauty of
Bangladesh. Here visitor can visit the tribal lifestyle.
Kaptai Lake: Built in early sixties Kaptai Dam and the lake are the main attractions of Kaptai.
Bandarban: Chimbuk hill is one of the major attractions of Bandarban.
Ahsan Manzil: Ahsan Manzil was a residential palace for Dhaka Nawab Family.
Shaheed Minar: The Shaheed Minar is a national monument in Dhaka.
Jatiyo Smritisoudho: Jatiyo Sritishoudho is the symbol in the memory of sacrifice of all those who
gave their lives in the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971.
Jatiya Sangshad Bahavan: It has been used for the Bangladesh National Assembly.
7
Sundarban: The Sundarban is the world largest tidal mangrove forest. The Sundarbans cover
approximately 10,000 square kilometers, of which 60 percent is in Bangladesh with the remainder
in India. The Sundarbans is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Kuakata: Kuakata is a panoramic sea beach located in the Patuakhali district. Kuakata has a wide
sandy beach from where one can see both the sunrise and sunset.
Table 1: Tourist spots in Bangladesh
Name of Location Places to visit
the division i
n Bangladesh
Barisal Southwest Kuakata
Chittagong Southern Patenga Sea Beach, War Cemetery, Port, Cox's Bazar, St.
Martins Island, Himchori and Inani Beach, Parki beach, Lalmai,
Moinamoti and Shalbon Bihar, Chittagong Hill tracks
(Rangamati, Khagrachari, Bandarban and Kaptai)
Dhaka Capital city Shaheed Minar, Jatiyo Smritisoudho, Ahsan Manzil, Jatiya
Sangshad
Bahavan
Khulna Southwest Sundarban
Rajshahi Northern Mahasthangarh,Varendra Museum
Rangpur Northern Kantagir Temple, Sayedpur railway junction
Sylhet Notrheast Jaflong, Ratargul, Madhabkunda waterfall, Satchari National Park
,
Bisanakandi, Srimongal, Lawacherra Rain Forest
4. Methodology
The study is based on secondary data. The data have been collected from different reports,
published articles, websites, Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation (BPC), Ministry of Civil Aviation
and Tourism, World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS),
Daily newspapers etc. Analysis is based on various statistical techniques. There are several
objectives to conduct this research. They are:
1. To know about the current status and future prospects of tourism sector in Bangladesh.
2. To identify the major tourist spots in Bangladesh.
3. To assess the contribution of tourism sector in the Bangladesh economy.
4. To identify the barriers for developing tourism sector in Bangladesh.
5. To provide some suggestions for the improvements of tourism sector in Bangladesh.
5. Data Analysis and Results
5.1 Present status of tourism in Bangladesh
The importance of tourism sector has increased overtime. In 2009-2010, 838 was allocated for
tourism sector from national budget. This has been increased to 1818 in 2011-2012. However,
lately there is a decreasing trend in tourism expenditure. In 2013-2014, tourism expenditure in
national budget has been falling to 683. This decreasing trend may be due to the current political
8
crisis, which has discouraged tourism in Bangladesh.
Budget (Lakh tk.)
2000
1800
1600
1400
1200
1000
800
600
400
200
0
2009-2010 2010-2011 2011-2012 2012-2013 2013-2014
Figure 1: Distribution of money at the tourism sector in the national budget (source: Bangladesh
Parjatan Corporation)
In Bangladesh, government controlled tourism organization - Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation
(BPC) is doing well in terms of profit. In 2008-2009 it lost about 194 lakh taka. However, since
then it is making profit. In 2009-2010, the profit was 23.41 lakh taka which has consistently
increased to 612.33 lakh taka in 2012-2013. This profit has accompanied by both increasing total
income and total expenditure. This total income and total expenditure in 2008- 2009 were 3598.6
and 3792.35 lakh taka respectively. These figures have risen to 7168.33 lakh taka and 6556 lakh
taka respectively in 2012-2013.
The number of tourist that came to Bangladesh during 2008 to 2012 are shown in Figure 2: The
inbound tourism severely fall to 267,107 in 2009 from the previous year 467,332. This may be due
to the global financial crisis. The number of tourist, however, show increasing trend after 2009. The
inbound tourism has recovered to 303,386 in 2010 and has increased to 588,193 in 2012.
Table 2: Income, expenditure and profit of Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation for 2008-2013
(source: Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation , 2014)
Fiscal Year Total income (Lakh Total Profit before tax
tk.) expenditur (Lakh
e tk.)
(Lakh tk.)
2008-2009 3598.60 3792.35 -193.75
2009-2010 4535.88 4512.47 23.41
2010-2011 5966.71 5819.21 107.50
2011-2012 7127.82 6836.62 291.20
2012-2013 7168.33 6556.00 612.33
9
Figure 2: Statistics of tourist incoming in Bangladesh (source: Bangladesh Parjatan
Corporation ,2014)
5.2 Contribution of tourism in the Bangladesh economy
According to World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) report (2014), The total contribution of
travel and tourism was 4.4% of GDP in 2013 and is expected to grow 7.9% to 4.5% of GDP in
2014. It is forecasted to rise by 6.5% per annum to 4.7% of GDP by 2024. Notable that, total
contribution consists of direct, indirect and induced contribution.
Figure 3: Contribution of travel and tourism to GDP
Travel and Tourism generated 1,328,500 jobs directly in 2013 and this is forecasted to grow by
4.0% in 2014. This includes employment by hotels, airlines, travel agents and other passenger
transportation services. It will increase by 2.7% per annum on average over the next ten years. The
total contribution of Travel and Tourism to employment was 2.8% of total employment in 2013.
This is forecasted to rise to 3.9% of total employment in 2014. By 2024, travel and tourism are
forecasted to support 4.2% of total employment.
10
Figure 4: Contribution of travel and tourism to employment generation
Visitor exports are a key component of the direct contribution of travel and tourism .Visitor spend a
good sum of money during their stay in the country. Spending on food, travels, and hotel are
included in the visitor exports category. In 2013, Bangladesh generated BDT 8.3 billion in visitor
exports. In 2014, this is expected to grow by 7.1%. By 2024, international tourist arrivals are
forecasted to 611,000 generating expenditure of BDT 15.5 billion .Travel and Tourism’s
contribution to total national investment will rise from 1.5% in 2014 to 1.6% in 2024.
Figure 5: Contribution of travel and tourism to Visitor Exports
11
6. Prospects and Problems of Tourism Sector
6.1 Prospects of Tourism industry in Bangladesh
Tourism sector can help to flourish the economy of Bangladesh. By ensuring proper improvement of
this area, it is potential to earn a lot of foreign currency which will donate to the growth of the national
economy of the country. The area also offers ample employment opportunity for the people who are
directly or indirectly involved in this sector, since it is a service providing sector. The joblessness
problem of the country can be reduced partly to develop necessary infrastructures of this sector. It will
help to increase household income and as well as the revenue collection of the government will rise
consistently (Latif, 2016). Source: Bangladesh Tourism Board Therefore, it will also help to decrease
the economic gap between the rich and the poor people of the nation. Tourism can also be strengthened
by the political unity of the state. Local tourists as well as foreign tourists like to visit historical places,
archeological sites, national monuments and ancient fields that aid to strengthen the political unity of
the country in the long run (Latif, 2015).
Furthermore, extensive local tourism will help to form regional cooperation among the people by
giving the chances to contact, share and exchange their views and sub-cultures with each other. It will
also help to improve more cohesiveness and empathy that will decrease local disparity in terms of
psychological and economic point of view within different divisions and districts and increase the unity
among them and inspire them more to work for the nationwide interest (Latif, 2014). Source:
Bangladesh Tourism Board The people who come from industrialized countries, their life style, income
level, background etc. are totally different from branding countries like Bangladesh (Zahir, 2011;
Ferdouse, 2014). The people of the country can simply compare their life style with the people of
industrialized nations. So, they can exchange these knowledge and views with each other. It is as well
potential to assert Bangladesh to other parts of the world by tourism sector. It may also helpful to create
better image to foreign country through proper management of tourism activities. If the sector can be
managed properly and attracted tourists from different region within and outside the country, it will
create goodwill for the country.
6.2 Challenges of Tourism Sector
6.2.1 Problems of Bangladesh tourism industry
The main reason which prevent foreign tourists from traveling to Bangladesh are political instability
and unrest Compared to other South Asian Countries, vacationing international tourists arrival are
much less in number in Bangladesh than. Bangladesh possesses tourists ‘attractions like historical,
scenic, climatic, (religious festivals, trade fairs and so on. In terms of accessibility) i.e. accommodation
local transport, security, catering, Medicare, Bangladesh lags far behind than many other neighboring
countries (Bangladesh Tourism Board). Lack of sincerity and political will to promote Bangladesh as a
common tourism destination. Different studies disclose that most of the tourists have a negative image
in Bangladesh. They as a famine and flood stricken country with dirty and poor inhabitants,
overcrowded and lawless city streets, unsanitary conditions, portray Bangladesh (Bangladesh Parjatan
Corporation). Insufficient planning and provision for infrastructure components are two classic errors
that hinder the development of tourism in Bangladesh. It is supposed that common of tourists visiting
Bangladesh are busy in tourist places and monuments or relaxing in beaches. It is a matter of great
regret that after sunset they have nothing entertaining to do (Bangladesh Tourism Board). There is no
casino, Bingo, Public transport, theatre and late night show. For a designation to attract increasing
tourism flow it requires the provision of security and safety to taunts, it is unfortunate that Bangladesh
has failed to provide these to them, which is one of the major problems Bangladesh industry in facing
(Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation). Lack of government policy is also a problem for tourism industry.
This indicates that our tourism sector is in scarcity of proper guideline. Corruption is another major
problem regarding tourism industry of Bangladesh. For which foreigner often fell into problem in their
smooth and continue journey in Bangladesh. Shortage of tourism training infrastructure, qualified
12
trainers, and lack of proper strategies and policies for human resource development hinders the growth
of tourism in Bangladesh. Lastly absence of effective coordination and lack of investment is major
obstacle in this sector (Bangladesh Tourism Board).
7. Conclusion and Recommendations
Now Bangladesh is low-middle income country. Its average GDP growth rate is 6%. The economy
is highly dependent on work force export, Ready Made Garments (RMG) and agriculture sector.
Other prominent sectors are shipbuilding, pharmaceuticals etc. The rate of employment is 90 %,
which is below expected level. As a result, disguised employment and employment at low wage
rate is rising. Many of the people are illegally crossing border in the hope of better life. In order to
improve employment rate and to stop the illegal migration, government has to take and implement
some projects and policies, through this, it has to try to receive the social, cultural and economic
benefits of the tourism sector. As part of tourism sector development, recently government has
passed the Cox’s Bazaar Development Authority (CDA) at the meeting of ministry. This is
supportable but not enough. The government of Bangladesh should place equal emphasis in its
policy on the development of the tourist spots all over the country. This will create employment
opportunity on the one hand and on the other hand it reduces the dependence of the country on
some other specific sectors.
Following measures are necessary for the development of tourism sector in Bangladesh:
1. Up-date the present tourism policies in Bangladesh compare to the world tourism market.
2. Tourism spot and related organization should run by the private sector.
3. Tourism related discipline like hotel and tourism management should be start at the all university in
Bangladesh.
4. Infrastructures around the tourism sector should be built and maintained. Rail connection
between Cox’s
Bazaar and Chittagong is necessary. Because, present communication system is not enough for
tourist attraction.
5. Political stability should be maintained to attract the foreign tourist.
6. Government should take the actions about the security system at the tourist place.
13
8. References
• Arif and Islam (2011): Opportunities of tourism in Bangladesh: International
journal of research in commerce, IT and management Volume No. 1, Issue No.6
• Daily Newspaper of Bangladesh: The Daily Star, The Prothom-alo.
• Elena, M., Lee, M. H., Suhartono, H., Hossein, I., Rahman, N. H. A., & Bazilah, N.
A. (2012). Fuzzy Time Series and Sarima Model for Forecasting Tourist Arrivals to
Bali. Jurnal Teknologi, 57(1).
• Kabir: Global sustainable tourism criteria: Perspective Bangladesh.
• Kabir, M. A., Kawsar Jahan, M., Adnan, N., & Khan, N. (2012). Business Model of E-
Tourism for Developing Countries. International Journal of Computer and Information
Technology, 3(1), 30-34.
• Pennington, J. W., & Thomsen, R. C. (2010). A semiotic model of destination representations
applied
to cultural and heritage tourism marketing. Scandinavian Journal of Hospitality and Tourism,
10(1), 33-53.
• Rahman, Hossain, Miti and Kalam: An review of present status and future
prospects of the tourism sector in Bangladesh
• Siraj, S.B., Alam, G. M., Hoque, K. E., Khalifa, M. T. B., & Ghani, M. F. B. A. (2009). The
role of agriculture education and training on agriculture economics and national
development of Bangladesh. Afr. J. Agric. Res, 4(12), 1334-1350.
• SIRAJ: Review of tourism policy in Bangladesh, scope for future improvements.
• Thomsen: Introduction to the tourism industry in Bangladesh.
• World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC): Annual report-2014: The Economic
Impact of Travel and Tourism 2014.
• www.bangladeshtourism.gov.bd : Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation (BPC).
• www.tourismboard.gov.bd: Tourism Policy-Bangladesh Tourism Board (National Tourism
Organization).
14
