Bangladesh's tourism industry lacks security and safety on top of poor communication and transportation networks and insufficient hotels, motels and restaurants, which are considered significant barriers to the sector’s contribution to the economy in pursuit of sustainable development, speakers and experts have said.
These gaps pose serious threats to the industry’s future development and sustainability. To revitalise this industry, innovative and strategic actions are urgently needed, they said.
Infrastructure improvements and addressing environmental concerns are essential to transform tourism into a major contributor to the country’s GDP, they added while sharing the observations at a seminar organised by the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) in Dhaka on Monday.
Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain graced the seminar, titled “Tourism for Attaining SDGs: Challenges and Prospects for Bangladesh”, as the chief guest while Civil Aviation and Tourism Secretary Nasreen Jahan was present as the special guest.
BIISS Director General Major General Iftekhar Anis delivered the welcome address while BIISS Chairman AFM Gousal Azam Sarker chaired the event. Tourism Research and Development Executive Director Abu Sufian presented the keynote.
Touhid said, “Bangladesh's tourism sector lacks well-planned strategies and policies. However, by anticipating a comprehensive evaluation of public policies, strategic frameworks, and government initiatives, this industry can substantially contribute to the economy in pursuit of sustainable development.”
Nasreen said, “The government has established three tourism zones, improved facilities at key tourist sites and implemented various policy measures to promote sustainable development through tourism.”
Bangladesh boasts a rich array of tourism assets, including forests, beaches, water bodies, hills, wildlife, indigenous cultures, historical and archaeological sites, cultural heritage, folklore, handicrafts, art, and festivals, all of which collectively attract both domestic and international tourists.
BIISS Senior Research Fellow Sufia Khanom, Tourist Police Deputy Inspector General Md Abu Kalam Siddique, and Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry Director in Charge Munal Mahbub were present as distinguished panellists. An open discussion session occurred afterwards.
Senior officials from different ministries, diplomatic missions, media, researchers, business people, academia and representatives from various think tanks and international organisations participated in the seminar.
