Speakers at a seminar on Monday said 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.
Although Bangladesh has identified tourism as a key sector for its national development, it faces significant challenges, they said.
However, the discussants said it is anticipated that with well-planned strategies and policies, this industry has the potential to make a substantial contribution to the nation’s economy in its pursuit of sustainable development.
Achieving the SDGs requires a comprehensive evaluation of public policies, strategic frameworks, and government initiatives, they said.
The Government of Bangladesh has established three tourism zones, improved facilities at key tourist sites and implemented various policy measures to promote sustainable development through tourism.
To revitalise this industry, innovative and strategic actions are urgently needed. Key challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, lack of security and safety, poor communication and transportation networks, and insufficient hotels, motels, and restaurants are significant barriers to the sustainable growth of the tourism sector, they said.
These gaps in the current tourism framework pose serious threats to its future development and sustainability. Infrastructure improvements and addressing environmental concerns are essential to transform tourism into a major contributor to Bangladesh’s GDP.
Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) organised the seminar titled “Tourism for Attaining SDGs: Challenges and Prospects for Bangladesh” at the BIISS auditorium.
Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain graced the seminar as the chief guest.
Nasreen Jahan, Secretary, of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, was present as a special guest.
Major General Iftekhar Anis, Director General, BIISS, delivered the welcome address.
Ambassador AFM Gousal Azam Sarker, Chairman, BIISS, chaired the session.
Abu Sufian, Executive Director of Tourism Research & Development, presented the keynote presentation. A panel discussion followed the Keynote presentation.
The panellists were Dr Sufia Khanom, Senior Research Fellow, BIISS, Md Abu Kalam Siddique, DIG, Tourist Police Bangladesh and Dr Munal Mahbub, Director in Charge, FBCCI.
There was an open discussion session after the panel discussion.
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.
They presented their opinions, comments, suggestions, and observations during the open discussion session.
