Country’s tourism industry remains underutilised, lagging behind among South Asian nations in attracting foreign tourists and revenue generation.
People at home and abroad are showing little interest in visiting the tourist spots because of what they say ‘inadequate security measures, high charge of hotel and motet rent, high food costs.
Experts view this as a missed opportunity for a country where the cost of tourism is lower compared to international standards, a factor that could attract more foreign visitors if promoted properly.
Tourism industry experts suggest several reasons for this underperformance. Firstly, the country’s tourism infrastructure lacks international standards.
In addition, the needs and expectations of foreign tourists are not given adequate attention by the industry stakeholders in the country.
A major blow to the country’s tourism occurred after the 2016 Holey Artisan attack, prompting travel advisories from many countries that are still in effect. This has led to a decline in foreign visitors, resulting in what can be described as a “drought” of international tourists.
Abu Taher Muhammad Jaber, CEO of the Bangladesh Tourism Board (BTB), acknowledged the shortfalls in foreign tourists and infrastructure said, “Our tourist destinations are not of international standards. Efforts to ease visa procedures for foreign visitors, proposing the implementation of e-visa systems for citizens of countries that are eligible for visas on arrival.”
The BTB has recommended visa exemptions for travelers holding Australian, Japanese, UK, USA, Canadian, and Schengen visas, he added.
Neighboring nations such as India, Maldives, Sri Lanka, and Nepal have capitalized on their tourism sectors, earning $10,729 million, $802 million, $385 million, and $198 million respectively. In contrast, the country's revenue stands at only $76.19 million, which is meager compared to other SAARC nations.
While international tourism may be lacking, the local market is robust.
Around 40 million Bangladeshi tourists travel within the country each year, while foreign tourist arrivals fluctuate between 100,000 and 600,000 annually.
Tourism is recognized globally as one of the largest industries, and according to the World Travel and Tourism Council, Bangladesh’s tourism sector directly employs 2.5 million people, with another 2.3 million working indirectly in related sectors.
The combined workforce totals nearly 5 million, with the domestic tourism industry valued at approximately Tk 50 billion.
Tourism experts argue that with proper planning and implementation, Bangladesh's tourism industry could play a key role in the country’s economic and social development.
According to the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Bangladesh Chapter, the country boasts hundreds of attractions for both domestic and international tourists.
Professor Dr. Md. Shariful Alam Khandakar, Chairman of the Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management at the University of Dhaka said, “Industry insiders do not understand the demand of foreign tourists. It’s crucial that we ensure foreign tourists do not face harassment during their stay here in our country too.”
