Bangladesh is a country full of immense natural beauty. With the world’s longest beach, Cox’s Bazar, the biodiversity-rich Sundarbans, green hilly valleys; and rich cultural heritage, the country has the potential to be a unique tourist destination.
But the reality is different. Foreign tourist arrivals are gradually decreasing, and the country’s tourism sector is in an existential crisis.
Businesses, big and small, are collapsing; entrepreneurs are on the verge of going out of business. When we talk about ‘tourism for sustainable transformation’ on World Tourism Day, this reality is ironic.
According to media reports, the reasons for this crisis are multifaceted. First, the country’s political instability and violence have been negatively reflected in the international media.
Added to this are travel warnings for citizens of countries like America, Europe, and Australia. Secondly, weak infrastructure and lack of planning are major obstacles. Although there is a tourism master plan, implementation is very slow.
Tour operators say that none of the modern hotels and resorts, safe transportation, professional guides, or entertainment opportunities meets international standards, and bookings have dropped by 60 to 70 percent due to the negative image of the country in the international media following the political change.
The problem does not end here. Inefficiency and lack of planning have held us back. Bangladesh’s position of 110th out of 117 countries in the World Economic Forum’s Travel and Tourism Development Index is proof of this.
Lack of coordination between the Ministry of Tourism, the Tourism Board, and the Ministries of Home and Foreign Affairs is causing various kinds of chaos.
Policymakers need not wishful thinking, but effective steps to develop this sector. First and foremost, there is a need for strong coordination between various agencies and the rapid implementation of an effective tourism master plan.
Prof. Dr. Shaker Ahmed’s statement is very relevant: Tourists will not come to Cox’s Bazar just to count the waves; modern facilities like nightlife, museums, shopping malls, and amusement parks must be created for them.
Weakness in digital marketing and absence in international media have failed to showcase Bangladesh’s appeal to the world. As a result, even smaller countries like Maldives and Nepal have surpassed Bangladesh in tourism revenue.
Although Bangladesh lags behind in tourism, its potential is not exhausted.
The sector can emerge anew with a combination of creativity of the young generation, private investment, and government goodwill.
Let us pledge on World Tourism Day – to transform tourism into a truly sustainable industry that will create jobs, help earn foreign exchange, and shine a positive image of the country in the world.
