An Assignment

On

TourisminBangladesh:Itsproblemsandprospects
(Individual Assignment)
Module No.:

Submitted To
Rebeka Sultana
Asst. Director, RDA

Submitted By
Shinchita Rahman

Roll No.: 13

R-62nd Foundation Training Course

Rural Development Academy (RDA)

Bogra-5842
Introduction:

Bangladesh is a land of scenic beauty. Bangladesh as a vacation land has many facets. Her tourist
attractions include archaeological sites, historic mosques and monuments, resorts, beaches,
picnic spots, forest and wildlife. Bangladesh offers opportunities for angling, water-skiing, river
cruising, hiking, rowing, surfing, yachting and sea bathing as well as bringing one in close touch
with Mother Nature. She is also rich in wildlife and game birds. The country is blessed with
natural beauty which attracts the tourists. It has beautiful beaches as well as the longest beach in
the world. It is proud of its beautiful heritage and historical relics. To make best use of the
natural gift, the country has developed facilities of modern hotels, motels, rest houses, youth inns
and restaurants, as well as modern modes of communication, are available at all tourist
attractions.

It is widely recognized that Bangladesh is very rich by the natural beauty and panoramic views,
what a tourist wants to enjoy. The sector got recognition as an industry in 1999. But it never
received attention from the government to become a vibrant industry. Bangladesh has many
disadvantages tourism but it has many advantage of tourism site. According to The Travel &
Tourism Competitiveness Index 2015 by world economic forum, the position of Bangladesh
is 127 out of 141 countries. We have to do this for enhancing the positive image of our country
and for introducing our prime tourist attractions as well as our vibrant culture. But, there is a lack
of sufficient budgetary allocation. We need to develop an effective brand name for tourism. We
have never tried to understand that branding not only helps tourism of the country, it encourages
foreign investment as well.

Description:
The history of Bangladesh has been one of extremes, of turmoil and peace, prosperity and
destitution. It has thrived under the glow of cultural spiendour and suffered under the ravages of
war. Pakistan started within a couple of years because of language and cultural difference and
economic disparity between the two wings. The seeds of independence were sown through the
Language Movement of 1952 to recognize Bangla as a state language. Ultimately the then East
Pakistan emerged as a sovereign and independent state of Bangladesh in 1971 after nine month
long war of Liberation (starting on 26 March 1971) in which 3 million people courted
martyrdom.

Bangladesh is situated in the north-eastern part of south Asia. It lies between 20 34 and 2e 36
north latitude and 88 I and 92 41 east longitude. The heary and great Himalayas stand as the
northen ramparts, while the southern frontier is guarded by the Bay of Bengal. On the west lies
the expansive gangetic plains (West Bengal) of India and on the eastern frontier lies the almost
impassable forest of Myanmar (Arakan Province) and India (Tripura and Assam hills). These
picturesque geographical boundaries delineate out a low lying plain of about 144,000 sq.km.
(55,598 sq. miles) criss -crossed by innumerable brooks, rivers, rivulets and streams. Mighty
rivers the Padma, Jamuna, Meghna, Karnaphuli and others flow through Bangladesh. The
unscalable blue is stretched high above, and the green and silvery landscape below runs far and
beyond. This is Bangladesh, a fertile land where nature is bounteous.

Bangladesh is a deltaic region. Much of the countrys land area has been built up from alluvial
deposits brought down by the major rivers. The land is mostly flat except for a range of hills in
the south-east. Wooded marshylands and jungles mainly characterize it with forest regions in
Sylhet, Rangamati, Khagrachari and Bandarban Hill Tracts, Sundarbans, Mymensingh and
Tangail.

Tourism Scope and Major Tourist Spots in Bangladesh:

Tourism is often synonymous to traveling for pleasure and education. It is also a business of
attracting tourists and providing for their accommodation and entertainment. In many countries,
tourism is an industry for earning Inland Revenue and foreign exchange. The many businesses
that grow along with development of tourism include airlines, shipping, hotels and restaurants,
finance companies, tour operations, travel agents, car rental firms, caterers and retail
establishments and together, they contribute significantly to the overall development of a
countrys economy and to its cultural diversification and assimilation. Bangladesh had always
attracted tourists. Bangladesh is one of the few countries in south Asia, which remains to be
explored. Bangladesh has a delicate and distinctive attraction of its own to offer. The traditional
emphasis of the tourist trade has always been on the material facilities offered by a country rather
than on its actual charms. Its land of enormous beauty, hundreds of serpentine rivers, crystal
clear water lakes surrounded by ever green hills, luxuriant tropical rain forests, worlds largest
mangrove forest preserved as world heritage, home of the royal bangle tiger and the wild lives,
wind in the paddy fields, abundance of sunshine, worlds longest natural sea beach etc.

Country branding means the earning of reputation for a country by utilizing its inner resources
and opportunities, which are original and inspiring to the outer world. The official brand name of
our beloved country is beautiful Bangladesh. The goal is to establish a positive image of our
country and attract foreign tourists to visit its panoramic landscapes, seascapes and the natural
beauties. Tourism in Bangladesh is a slowly developing foreign currency earner. Since the wear
2000 tourists arriving in Bangladesh have been swelling in numbers. Not only is it international
visitors but locals are also taking their holidays. All these travelers require appropriate
accommodation and the demand in hotel beds and restaurants are now being met for every taste
and every budget. Many of the visitors are expatriate Bangladeshi coming to Bangladesh not
only to visit their families, but tor a holiday and to experience the vibrant and culturally rich
country of their forbearers. Catering for all these people has seen an increase in the demand for
new hotels and restaurants in Dhaka and ther tourist locations.

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.

Table 1: At a glance of Tourist spots in Bangladesh

Name of the Location in

Places to visit
division Bangladesh

Jaflong, Ratargul, Madhabkunda waterfall, Satchari National Park ,

Sylhet Notrheast
Bisanakandi, Srimongal, Lawacherra Rain Forest

Patenga Sea Beach, War Cemetery, Port, Coxs Bazar, St. Martins
Island, Himchori and Inani Beach, Parki beach, Lalmai,
Chittagong Southern
Moinamoti and Shalbon Bihar, Chittagong Hill tracks (Rangamati,
Khagrachari, Bandarban and Kaptai)

Shaheed Minar, Jatiyo Smritisoudho, Ahsan Manzil, Jatiya Sangshad

Dhaka Capital city
Bahavan

Khulna Southwest Sundarban

Rajshahi Northern Mahasthangarh,Varendra Museum

Rangpur Northern Kantagir Temple, Sayedpur railway junction, Tajhat jomidar Bari.

Barisal Southwest Kuakata

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.

Coxs Bazar: World longest (120 km long) beach .Winter is the season to visit the Coxs 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 Coxs 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 dont 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.

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.

Some scenarios
Handicrafts

Tribal Culture

Delicious foods

Events
Traditional Musical Instruments

Sea beaches

Hilly areas
Archaeological Sites
Forests
Problem and prospect:
There is lack of budgetary allocation and scarcity of trained people for the development of
tourism sector in the country. Bangladesh is lagging behind in projecting her attractions to
international tourist through advertisement in international print and electronic media. Besides
meager budgetary allocation of the government, appropriate plans and programs short term, long
term and medium term was absent before 90s.Tourists do not come here to sleep ideally in hotel,
but tourists do not find any night-life activities after spending the day at Coxs bazaar beach.
There is no proper water and sewerage system in Coxs bazaar .Gas connection is absent and
only a limited number of flights land there. Kuakata is a second priority beach of the country.
Though road communication has improved than before, tourists do not tend to go there for
second time due to the lacking of standard facilities. There is a popularity of archaeological sites
in the north-west of Bangladesh. But because of the absence of interpreter and facilities tourist
do not make overnight stay there. There is no involvement of the local people of the tourist site.
They get little benefit from tourist activities at their own areas. They are also neglected in
tourism planning and development process. There are a lot of things to do for Bangladesh
Porjoton Corporation; creation of hotels, motels is not the only aspect of tourism development.
Both the local and potential foreign tourists face the problem of easy access to information
related to Bangladesh tourism and its facilities.
In examining the economy of Bangladesh, wherever one turns the problems crowd in and
threaten to overwhelm the analysis. Underlying problems that have threatened the young nation
remain unsolved. These problems include overpopulation and inadequate nutrition, health, and
education resources; a low standard of living, land scarcity, and vulnerability to natural disaster;
virtual absence of valuable metals; and inadequate government and bureaucratic structures. The
picture of day-to-day and even year-to-year performance of the economy of Bangladesh is a
mixture of accomplishment and failure, not significantly different from that of the majority of
poor Third World countries. The government and people of Bangladesh are entitled to take some
pride in the degree of success they have achieved since independence, especially when one
contrasts their success with the gloomy forecasts of economists and international experts. The
international donor community, led by the World Bank, similarly can be proud of the role it has
played in assisting this largest poorest nation to become a respected member of the family of
nations.

Recommendation:

The New Millennium and the coming decades are very much crucial for the developing countries
to achieve Sustainable Economic Growth. Tourism is considered to be the largest income
generator of the world economy contributing over 10% to Global Gross Domestic Product
(GDP). For at least one third of the developing countries, the tourism receipts are the main
source of export revenue and the tourism industry generates substantial economic benefits to the
developing countries. For many developing countries, in particular the Least Developed
Countries (LDCs), tourism is considered to be the one of the fundamental pillars of their
economic Development. But despite of many prospects, the tourism industry in Bangladesh
remains neglected for a long time. Bangladesh is bestowed with the beauties of nature. Its
fascinating natural beauty has provoked many travellers from far and nears through ages to
undertake a journey to this land of the Bengalis. One such traveler aptly observed, "Bangala has
a hundred gates open for entrance, but not one for departure.
Bangladesh offers the rare beauty spot of sunrise & sunset in fascinating Kuakata, the rare beauty
of the Sundarbans-abode of the Royal Bengal Tiger, the longest smooth sandy beach in Cox's
Bazar, the oldest archeological site in Mahasthangarh and many other delightful beauties of
cultural and historical heritage. Bangladesh is inheritor to a rich cultural legacy.
As tourism is one of the main possible sectors to enhance the image of Bangladesh. So, to
improve the tourism of Bangladesh the following steps should be implemented.

Improvement in the security systems of the tourist spots is give the most importance by
both the native people and foreigners.

Improvement in the hotel and transportation systems should given priority for the
improvement of the tourism sector.

One of the main o obstacles for the improvement of tourism sector is that the foreigners
are not aware of the tourist spots of Bangladesh. Promotional activities can improve the
situation by creating awareness of the tourist spots. For this reason, like India,
internationally famous celebrities and spokespersons should use in the promotional
campaign. Cricket World Cup 2011 will be inaugurated in Bangladesh. T-20 will be held
in Bangladesh in 2013. On these occasions, many foreigners will come here, We should
utilize these opportunities and these can be the platform for promoting the tourism of
Bangladesh.
 The website of the Bangladesh Porjatan Corporation should be developed and up to date.
As the website promotes the slogan of ~discover Beautiful Bangladesh,

the information provided in this website is not sufficient. It should narrate all the important
information as well the low cost of travelling in Bangladesh.

Having an international airport in coxs Bazar will ensure that foreigners can fly there
directly without having to go through Dhaka. Besides, hotel and transportation systems
should be developed to meet the taste and income of every tourist. Coxs Bazar cans
beramled as other international cities such as like Bali, Goa etc. Separate entertainment
policy may be formulated so that a strong PPP can be implemented.

The religious and cultural liberty should be ensured for the foreigner tourists.

Ecotourism in Bangladesh should be introduced. Ecotourism refers to tourism that is

basic on the natural environment but that seeks to minimize the harmful impacts and
before still, seeks to promote conservation. It focuses on local cultures, wilderness
adventures, volunteering, personal growth and learning new ways to live on our
Vulnerable planet. Responsible ecotourism includes programs that minimize the adverse
effects of traditional tourism on the natural environment, and enhance the cultural
integrity of local people. Therefore, in addition to evaluating environmental and cultural
factors, initiatives by hospitality providers to promote recycling, energy efficiency, water
re-use, and the creation of economic opportunities or local communities are an integral
part of ecotourism.

Conclusion
The exceptional growth of tourism over the last 50 years is one of the most remarkable economic
and social phenomena of the 21st century. Bangladesh is nature of beauty. Her tourist attractions
include archaeological sites, historic mosques and monuments, resorts, beaches, picnic spots,
forest and wildlife. Bangladesh offers opportunities for angling, water-skiing, river cruising,
hiking, rowing, surfing, yachting and sea bathing as well as bringing one in close touch with
Mother Nature. She is also rich in wildlife and game birds.

Tourism in the early 1980s amounted to some 49,000 visitors per year, but by 1986 more than
129,000 touristsmostly from India Despite its poor-country status, increasing numbers of
tourists have visited Bangladesh, a, the United States, Britain, and Japanvisited Bangladesh.
According to the Bangladesh Parjaton Corporation (Bangladesh Tourism Corporation), some
Tk44.6 million in foreign exchange was earned in 1986 from the tourism industry. Tourism
industry has an increasingly vital economic, social, cultural and environmental impact, both
globally and on the national scale, and that the continuing growth of tourism and tourism-related
activities has diverse implications for the attainment of sustainable development.

References

1. Banglapedia: National Encyclopedia of Bangladesh.

2. Official website of Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation

3. Bangladesh travel and tourism at DMOZ

4. "Travel & Tourism Economic Impact 2013: Bangladesh" (PDF). World Travel and
Tourism Council. Archived from the original (PDF) on 7 October 2013.

5. WTTC (World Travel and Tourism Council)

6. Wikipedia

7. World Tourism Organization