Over the past few years, there has been a noticeable surge in domestic tourism in Bangladesh. With the rise of a growing middle class, improved road connectivity, eco-friendly cottages for accommodation, charming restaurants for dining, opportunities for social media content creation, and a collective desire to escape the chaos of city life, many people now prefer to explore tourist destinations within the country whenever there is a long weekend or public holiday.
Popular spots such as Cox’s Bazar, Bandarban, Rangamati, Sylhet, and the Sundarbans have become top choices for urban dwellers seeking a short getaway.
In response to this trend, numerous travel groups -- particularly those operating through Facebook and other social media platforms -- have emerged.
These groups often offer budget-friendly and hassle-free trips that attract young professionals, students, and families alike. On the surface, this tourism boom appears promising, creating jobs and contributing to the local economy. However, recent incidents have raised serious concerns regarding the safety, accountability, and regulation of these tour operators.
During the recent Eid vacation, a tragic incident occurred in Alikadam, Bandarban, where two tourists were swept away by strong currents while trekking. While this incident received media attention due to the loss of lives, many similar groups continue to operate without any proper oversight.
Do these tour groups operate under any formal rules or regulatory framework?
Is there any monitoring authority ensuring their services are safe and environmentally responsible?
Do the organizers receive any training or certification from the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism or the Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation? Sadly, the answer appears to be no.
Problems in the tourism industry
Environmental sustainability must be a core pillar of domestic tourism. Each tour group should operate with a mindset of preserving the natural beauty of the locations they visit. This means avoiding littering, minimizing noise pollution, and ensuring their presence does not disturb local ecosystems or communities.
The landscapes of Bandarban and the biodiversity of the Sundarbans are not infinite resources -- they are vulnerable and require protection from irresponsible tourism.
As the tourism industry grows, there is also a need to ensure fair pricing and healthy market practices. Many travelers are unaware of how costs are calculated, and the lack of transparent pricing can lead to exploitation.
A more regulated pricing structure would not only protect consumers but also encourage ethical competition among tour providers.
Equally important is the need for collaboration with local authorities. Tour operators, especially those arranging trips to remote or difficult-to-access areas, should maintain coordination with district administrations and local law enforcement. This would help ensure that emergency support can be mobilized quickly when needed.
What can be done?
To ensure safe and sustainable tourism, it is imperative that a more structured approach is adopted. All tour operators, particularly those offering group travel services, should come under a formal registration and licensing system managed by a centralized government authority.
This would enable proper documentation, monitoring of activities, and enforcement of basic safety standards. Such a system would also provide tourists with a sense of trust and accountability when choosing a tour provider.
Safety provisions must also be made mandatory depending on the nature of the trips. Organizers should be responsible for carrying essentials like first-aid kits, life jackets for water-based activities, proper trekking gear for hill and forest excursions, and ensuring that emergency contact information and communication devices are always available.
These basic precautions can make the difference between a safe adventure and a fatal mishap.
Moreover, the individuals who organize and lead these trips should not do so without adequate preparation. Training in first aid, emergency response, and environmental stewardship should be required.
Tour guides must be well-versed in handling crises and should also understand the importance of conservation practices, especially when operating in ecologically sensitive zones such as the hill tracts or the Sundarbans. Understanding visitor limits, managing waste properly, and respecting indigenous communities and wildlife should be part of every guide’s responsibility.
Beyond Bangladesh
When we look beyond our borders, we find that countries like Thailand, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and the Maldives -- frequently visited by Bangladeshi tourists -- have well-established systems that balance tourism growth with safety and sustainability.
In Thailand, tour operators must be licensed under the Tourism Authority and adhere to strict safety measures. Sri Lanka requires guides to be certified. The Maldives places high importance on sustainable tourism, particularly given its vulnerability to climate change.
Even in remote parts of Europe and North America, tourists are not allowed to explore certain natural sites alone -- they must travel with certified guides or in supervised groups. These countries also maintain emergency hotlines, provide clear tourism guidelines, and have active enforcement mechanisms in place.
Bangladesh, despite having breathtaking and diverse landscapes, still lags in developing and enforcing such a system. And yet, the potential of tourism is enormous -- not just for recreation and mental well-being, but also for job creation and community-based economic growth. However, without safety standards, environmental awareness, and regulatory oversight, this potential is at risk of turning into a liability.
It is time for the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, the Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation, and local governments to take joint responsibility and establish a robust framework to govern domestic tour operations.
If we want to protect lives, build trust in the tourism industry, and safeguard our natural heritage, then we can no longer afford to treat these concerns as optional. The future of Bangladesh’s tourism -- and the safety of its travelers -- depends on it
Nazmun Naher works at Bangladesh Institute of Governance and Management (BIGM).
