All over the world, tourism as an industry is well known for its major economic avenues. It is also considered a key tool of socio-economic development in the contemporary world. In many countries, tourism plays a pivotal role in economic development. By capitalizing on tourism, many small economies have created opportunities for foreign currency extraction and employment generation. Even our neighbouring India is looking to tap into the potential of tourism.
Bangladesh has the potential to be a truly world-class tourist destination, in fact famed Chinese traveler Hiuen Tsang visited Bangladesh in the 7th century and described it as a “sleeping beauty exposed from mist and water.” In the 14th century, the world-famous traveler Ibn Battuta visited Bangladesh and was completely spellbound. On his way from Sonargaon to Sylhet by boat, he praised the immense beauty of both sides of the river.
Although small in size, Bangladesh is well known across the world for its warm hospitality and diverse cultures. Its unparalleled natural beauty, ethnic diversity, fascinating lifestyle, and centuries-old ancient heritage -- all make Bangladesh an attractive tourist destination to many.
According to tourism experts, about 73% of all tourists will travel to Asian countries at one point or another. The World Tourism Organization forecasts that about 29.7 million people will be employed in this industry by 2030, which will contribute 10.5% to the global economy. If Bangladesh can capture this huge market, then its economy will change dramatically by the hand of tourism. Compared to the rest of the world, Bangladesh is a bit behind in this industry. This sector currently contributes only 3 percent to the GDP of Bangladesh.
Moreover, although accurate data is not available, it is estimated that around 500,000 foreign tourists traveled to Bangladesh last year. In the same year, about four crore domestic tourists traveled all over Bangladesh. This is certainly true that the development of the tourism industry will not only earn foreign exchange, but will play an important role in bringing Bangladesh to the court of the world.
If our tourism industry can be taken forward, it will play a significant role in the overall economy of the country and also create new job opportunities. It will also present us with the opportunity to earn a huge amount of foreign currency which will further add to the national economy. Currently, out of the eight billion people in the world, nearly 140 million people move from one country to another (inbound tourists).
By 2050, when the world's population is expected to reach 9.5 billion, the number of annual inbound tourists is expected to be half of the total population, which is 4.5 billion annually. And half of it will come in the Asia-Pacific region. Attracting them to our natural landscape will be a huge plus point for us.
But unfortunately, despite the potential of developing the tourism industry in Bangladesh, we have not been able to move forward by much. Although the government has immense earning potential from this sector, it has always been neglected.
Poor communication system is the main obstacle in this regard. As it has not become very convenient, the cost of travel is comparatively high and therefore we are failing to attract both domestic and foreign tourists. They also lose interest as the cost of hotels and resorts here are much higher than other tourist friendly countries. There is a considerable lack of security in the tourist attractions of our country as well. Incidents like theft and robbery happen very often in the daylight and, as a result, foreign tourists are gradually losing attraction towards Bangladesh.
As such, the authorities concerned should do something to improve the situation.
Bangladesh is blessed with a wonderful natural beauty and yet we have failed to maintain it properly. We have cut down the trees of the Sundarbans. We have destroyed its biodiversity in the hope of our own little interests. According to a statistic, an average of 30 tons of waste is produced in the municipal area of Cox's Bazar every day. If this continues, it will become a liability in the next 10-15 years. The government should formulate short, medium, and long-term plans for the development of the tourism industry.
Professor Nurul Islam Nazem of the Department of Geography of DU has stated that the tourism master plan of Bangladesh will play a role in achieving the government's Vision 2021 and Vision 2041 and also the Sustainable Development Goals. Small countries like Nepal and Sri Lanka have come a long way in tourism because they have developed a tourism culture. Bangladesh's tourism will advance if the master plan is implemented. At present, the tourism sector is growing at 3%, as we aim to take it to 10%, it is necessary for the tourism board as well as other concerned authorities to come forward.
Important steps are necessary to develop the tourism industry at a fast pace. If proper development of tourist centers is possible, it will be easy to attract domestic tourists as well as foreign tourists. We hope that special initiatives will be taken by the government to develop tourism industry infrastructure and tourism products.
Ahmad is a freelance contributor.