PEOPLE said that the tourism sector in Bangladesh should start working towards implementing MICE, meaning meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions, to give the largely untapped market a major boost as per reports published in news media on Sunday. MICE is one of the most lucrative niches within tourism. If the stakeholders may work with MICE properly, tourism sector may be the most productive and profitable sectors of the country in view of economic boost.
Bangladesh tourism gained momentum in the 1980s. Many years have passed; but Bangladesh still remains the least tourist attractive place in South Asia, although the number of tourists travelling to Bangladesh has doubled in less than a decade. In fact, a number of reasons, including lack of necessary infrastructure and security for foreign guests, complex visa-processing etc. are hindering the development of tourism sector here. Besides, a national policy on tourism was announced in 1992, but no change has been evident since its announcement. So, there should be a new tourism policy, which should be in tune with the new national economic, social, environmental policies and trends.
The new policy should recognize the roles of both the public and private sectors in the development of tourism through working toward MICE. With a view to promoting tourism in the country, there should be exclusive tourist zones in Cox’s Bazar, Srimangal, Teknaf, Jaflong, Kuakata, Paharpur, Sundarbans, Patenga and Moinamoti. Duty-free import of tourism vehicles and other infrastructures may also help promote tourism.
It will be a crass bluff to talk of prospects for tourism, getting organised when there is no safety of life in the country. Increasing number of police cannot be answer for rising crime. Police are themselves taking the advantage of crime situation in the country. Crime has become a protected gainful business.
