Bangladesh Tourism Council (BTC) took many plans and strategies in the past to make the tourism sector a major source of foreign currency earnings, but it conspicuously failed to do so either for mismanagement of the plans, or as in some cases, these plans could not even take-off. Now, before the nation is the target of achieving sustainable developed goals (SDGs) and at a recent meeting in the capital, the FBCCI Standing Committee on Tourism and Development rightly pointed out that the achievement of SDGs by 2030 would be incomplete unless Bangladesh sees a vigorous growth of its tourism industry.
Since this sector’s development is vitally connected to six other SDGs, it is very important now to take tourism as a priority sector. With tourism, FBCCI has pointed out, some 109 sectors are directly and 1100 sub-sectors indirectly linked. Moreover, every single tourist creates 10 direct and 35 indirect employment opportunities. One may disagree with these FBCCI figures, but that does not mean that tourism’s importance for the achievement of SDGs can be underestimated.
The prospect of Bangladesh’s tourism industry is huge. Because of lack of seriousness as well as absence of a planned and systematic approach, tourism here could not be developed as a strong industry like that of Nepal or India and other regional countries. The island-country Maldives’ economy is mainly based on tourism. The attractive sea beaches have been transformed as a great source of people’s survival there. Bangladesh also possesses the world’s longest stretch of sea beach, the largest mangrove forest beside the sea and many attractive natural as well as archaeological sites.
Dearth in infrastructure and approach roads to many sights and places is one of the reasons why the country’s tourism could not make a major breakthrough. Had that not been the case the hilly areas of greater Chattogram would have been haunted by the foreign as well as local tourists all through the year. If BTC does not address these problems, the country can never expect much from its eco-tourism.
For attracting foreign tourists, resumption of on-arrival visa facilities is also important. Moreover, the relevant authorities need to positively think about the demand of businesspeople of this sector such as issuing licenses to tour operators, recognising them as exporters, easing the process of remitting money overseas, bringing tourist destinations under the tourism ministry and ensuring security is also necessary. Currently, the tourism sector contributes 3.5 to 4 per cent to Bangladesh’s GDP. For raising this to needed 10 per cent, the sector’s thorough overhaul is a must now.
