Gazi Anowar :
The tourism master plan for the first time in the country’s tourism history has taken to formulate within 18 month from January 2020 to reach our GDP to double digits by utilizing this potential sector, official sources said.
The plan will be implemented in three phases — short, medium and long term — for proper branding of Bangladesh in front of both local and foreign tourists by utilizing its potential and natural beauty. The appointment of consultants has almost been completed.
A draft of ‘The Tour Operators and Tourist Guides Act’ has been prepared to bring the organizations and individuals involved in tourism business and services under specific rules. The law contains specific code of conduct for those concerned. Tourist guides must have the minimum educational qualification required by law. Tour operators will also be guided through a guideline.
The tour guides have currently been presented in a single way about our tourism. For this, if the policy is finalized, everyone will speak in a one voice. There will be no risk of confusion about information.
Bangladesh Tourism Board sources said that the first phase of the plan will be formulated in the first six months. All the unique scenes will be studied in Bangladesh from January to June of the New Year.
In this regard, the assistance will be taken from all the district administration and the district tourism development committees. The weaknesses, prospects and threats of tourist centers in districts across the country will be reviewed.
The district will take into account the new culture, landscaping and activities of the man-made tourist destinations, location, and number of current visitors.
The second step will be finalized in three months where
the vision, mission and strategic objectives of the tourist center will be opted. And the final step will be completed within nine months.
There are many historical, archaeological and natural sites in our country. Bangladesh has long beaches in Cox’s Bazar, world’s largest mangrove forest, mountains in hilly areas, forests, waterfalls, abundance of landscapes, historical sites along with historical landmarks, which are enough to attract tourists. Natural beauty, rich history and diverse cultures have made our country a unique tourist destination in multi-dimensional attractions, making Bangladesh a pilgrimage destination for tourists.
Besides, Kuakata beach from which both sunrise and sunset can be seen, coral Island Saint Martin, Ramu Buddhist Temple, Bangabandhu Safari Park, Nizhum Island, Tanguar Haor, Teknaf can easily attract any tourists.
Mahasthangarh of Bogura, Paharpur of Naogaon, Kantaji Temple in Dinajpur, Lalbagh Fort of Dhaka, Ahsan Manzil, Bagerhat’s sixty Gambju Mosque, Khan Jahan Ali’s graveyard and so on can also attract visitors from home and abroad.
Dr. Bhuban Chandra Biswas, CEO of Bangladesh Tourism Board, said Bangladesh is a country of great potential for tourism. If the sector is strengthened and mobilized, it will play a major role in the economy. We are working towards to touch that goal.
People of all classes have to come forward to develop the country’s tourism industry. We are working to build a sustainable tourism network among international community.
Dr. Md. Badruzzaman Bhuiyan, Chairman, Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management of Dhaka University, told The New Nation, tourism is now one of the major priority sectors in almost all countries of the world. It involves economic, social and infrastructure development also. Tourism’s contribution to the world’s GDP was 10.4 per cent in 2017, which is expected to rise to 11.7 per cent in 2027.
As a labour-intensive and employment-generating industry, Bangladesh should tap the potential through tourism master plan that will help being developed country by 2041.
According to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) data, there are 11 lakh 38 thousand 500 people directly and indirectly involved in the tourism sector. Bangladesh has immense potential in the tourism industry. Bangladesh is regarded as one of the fastest growing tourist destinations around the world.
The tourism master plan for the first time in the country’s tourism history has taken to formulate within 18 month from January 2020 to reach our GDP to double digits by utilizing this potential sector, official sources said.
The plan will be implemented in three phases — short, medium and long term — for proper branding of Bangladesh in front of both local and foreign tourists by utilizing its potential and natural beauty. The appointment of consultants has almost been completed.
A draft of ‘The Tour Operators and Tourist Guides Act’ has been prepared to bring the organizations and individuals involved in tourism business and services under specific rules. The law contains specific code of conduct for those concerned. Tourist guides must have the minimum educational qualification required by law. Tour operators will also be guided through a guideline.
The tour guides have currently been presented in a single way about our tourism. For this, if the policy is finalized, everyone will speak in a one voice. There will be no risk of confusion about information.
Bangladesh Tourism Board sources said that the first phase of the plan will be formulated in the first six months. All the unique scenes will be studied in Bangladesh from January to June of the New Year.
In this regard, the assistance will be taken from all the district administration and the district tourism development committees. The weaknesses, prospects and threats of tourist centers in districts across the country will be reviewed.
The district will take into account the new culture, landscaping and activities of the man-made tourist destinations, location, and number of current visitors.
The second step will be finalized in three months where
the vision, mission and strategic objectives of the tourist center will be opted. And the final step will be completed within nine months.
There are many historical, archaeological and natural sites in our country. Bangladesh has long beaches in Cox’s Bazar, world’s largest mangrove forest, mountains in hilly areas, forests, waterfalls, abundance of landscapes, historical sites along with historical landmarks, which are enough to attract tourists. Natural beauty, rich history and diverse cultures have made our country a unique tourist destination in multi-dimensional attractions, making Bangladesh a pilgrimage destination for tourists.
Besides, Kuakata beach from which both sunrise and sunset can be seen, coral Island Saint Martin, Ramu Buddhist Temple, Bangabandhu Safari Park, Nizhum Island, Tanguar Haor, Teknaf can easily attract any tourists.
Mahasthangarh of Bogura, Paharpur of Naogaon, Kantaji Temple in Dinajpur, Lalbagh Fort of Dhaka, Ahsan Manzil, Bagerhat’s sixty Gambju Mosque, Khan Jahan Ali’s graveyard and so on can also attract visitors from home and abroad.
Dr. Bhuban Chandra Biswas, CEO of Bangladesh Tourism Board, said Bangladesh is a country of great potential for tourism. If the sector is strengthened and mobilized, it will play a major role in the economy. We are working towards to touch that goal.
People of all classes have to come forward to develop the country’s tourism industry. We are working to build a sustainable tourism network among international community.
Dr. Md. Badruzzaman Bhuiyan, Chairman, Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management of Dhaka University, told The New Nation, tourism is now one of the major priority sectors in almost all countries of the world. It involves economic, social and infrastructure development also. Tourism’s contribution to the world’s GDP was 10.4 per cent in 2017, which is expected to rise to 11.7 per cent in 2027.
As a labour-intensive and employment-generating industry, Bangladesh should tap the potential through tourism master plan that will help being developed country by 2041.
According to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) data, there are 11 lakh 38 thousand 500 people directly and indirectly involved in the tourism sector. Bangladesh has immense potential in the tourism industry. Bangladesh is regarded as one of the fastest growing tourist destinations around the world.
