Bangladesh has everything it takes to become an attractive, world-class tourist destination.
And yet, it is a matter of extreme regret that our nation -- which has so much to offer in terms of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and history -- has so far not been able to capitalize on these elements and establish a successful tourism sector.
The industry is already plagued with a host of issues, from failing to establish any modicum of safety and security of foreign tourists being an especially indelible one. But what this sector absolutely does not need is the inordinate amount of taxation that it is being subjected to.
VAT and other taxes on hotels, motels, and goods associated with tourism are much higher in Bangladesh compared to those of other countries, and this acts as a major obstacle in attracting foreign tourists, according to the parliamentary standing committee on civil aviation and our tourism ministry.
In Bangladesh, taxes are levied at various levels, including service sub-sectors, such as hotels, motels, restaurants, and amusement parks. In fact, in many instances, taxes are acquired from service providers and receivers of the same service, which means that the sector is experiencing a form of double taxation.
Unless the taxation landscape of our tourism industry is overhauled, and even further lowered, this has the potential to completely cripple the sector.
After two years of weathering the Covid-19 pandemic, people from all corners of the world are looking to finally escape their homes and explore. This has resulted in a boom in the worldwide tourism landscape which, sadly, Bangladesh is missing out on.
Our tourism industry has needed a shot in the arm for a long time now, but before that, perhaps the administration could consider lowering the many artificial barriers which are hampering it.
