Abstract

Bangladesh is a land of scenic beauty. The country is blessed with natural beauty which attracts
the tourists. It has beautiful beaches as well as the longest beach in the world. It is proud of its
beautiful heritage and historical relics. To make best use of the natural gift, the country has
developed facilities of modern hotels, motels, rest houses, youth inns and restaurants, well
modern modes of communication, are available at all tourist attractions.
Now for the globalization facility the scope of tourism industry is increasing. That is also a better
way of generating sustainable GDP for Bangladesh. The contribution of Travel & Tourism to
Gross Domestic Product is expected to stay the same at 5.6% in 2009-2012 AND GDP growth
for Travel & Tourism economy is expected to be 5.78% in current situation. Export earnings
from international visitors and tourism goods are expected to generate 5.78% of total exports in
2009-2012.
Introduction:
This study builds on the current campaign for tourism industry study based on service industry in
Bangladesh. In brief, the study seeks to flesh out the objective and substantive basis for the
reform movement and the needed reform measures to build a world class tourism industry with
providing perfect service to tourists.
Tourism in Bangladesh is a slowly developing foreign currency earner. The country has much to
attract international and domestic tourists.
Bangladeshs tourist attractions include archaeological sites, historical mosques and monuments,
resorts, beaches, picnic spots, forests and tribal people, wildlife of various species. Bangladesh
offers ample opportunities to tourists for angling, water skiing, river cruising, hiking, rowing,
yachting, sea bathing as well as bringing one in close touch with pristine nature. Lonely
Planet ranked Bangladesh as the best value destination for the year 2011.
In the northern part, comprising the Rajshahi division, there are archaeological sites, including
the

temple

city Puthia in Rajshahi;

the

largest

and

most

ancient

archaeological

site, Mahasthangarh in Bogra; the single largest Buddhist monastery, Paharpur in Naogaon; the
most ornamental terracota Hindu temple in Bangladesh Kantaji Temple, and many rajbaris or
palaces of old zamindars.

In the south-western part, mainly the Khulna Division, there is the Sundarbans, the largest
mangrove forest of the world with Royal Bengal Tiger andspotted deer. The historically and
architecturally important sixty domed mosque in Bagerhat is a notable site.
In the south-eastern part, which is the Chittagong division, there are natural and hilly areas
like Chittagong Hill Tracts, along with sandy sea beaches. The most notable beach, in Coxs
Bazaar, is a contender for the title of longest unbroken sandy sea beach in the world.
In the north-eastern part, Sylhet division, there is a green carpet of tea plants on small hillocks.
Natural reserved forests are great attractions. Migratory birds in winter, particularly in
the haor areas, are also very attractive in this area.
In 2004, the US Department of State estimated the daily cost of staying in Dhaka at $191.
Also a brief recommendation of my rationalization findings has been presented for further
consideration of tourism industry perspective. I hope my effort will be highly appreciated by the
service industry in Bangladesh.
Objectives & Scope:
This is not believe, it is actually true that through Eco tourism, tourism industry can play an
important role to safe guard our natural resources and sustain the ecological process of the nature
which should also be the ultimate motto of modern tourism. Eco tourism is a new concept of the
present millennium. The important role of Eco tourism is to try to combine the conservation of
unique local resources such as nature, history and culture with the establishment of tourism
industry and the activation of local communities.
Day by day the importance of Bangladesh is increasing among foreigners as a charming tourist
country. That is why market of tourism industry is expanding in current situation. Actually the
main purpose of this report is to justify and also analyze data, facts & information of tourism
industry of Bangladesh, because of focusing the potential and less-potential sides of this sector.

Some tourist places in Bangladesh

Coxs Bazaar:
Miles of golden sands, towering cliffs, surfing waves, rare conch shells, colorful pagodas,
Buddhist temples and tribes, delightful sea-foodthis is Coxs Bazaar, the tourist capital of
Bangladesh. Having the worlds longest (120 kilometers.) beach sloping gently down to the blue
waters of the Bay of Bengal, Coxs Bazaar is one of the most attractive tourist sport in the
country. There are also a few very old wooden Buddhist temples at Ramu, a few kilometers from
Coxs Bazaar, well worth visiting. Located at a distance of 152 km. south of
Chittagong, the leading seaport of Bangladesh, Coxs Bazaar is connected both by air and road
from Dhaka and Chittagong. A drive to Teknaf, which is the southernmost tip of the mainland of
Bangladesh, is a memorable journey. A day trip to either Moheshkhali or Sonadia, the deltaic
islands nestled among the gentle waves of the Bay of Bengal, will also be really interesting.
Other attractions for visitors are conch shell market, tribal handicraft, salt and prawn cultivation.
Besides, the longest sea-beach, Coxs Bazaar and its adjoin areas have a lot of things to see and
places deserve visit by the tourists.
Shundarban:
The Sundarbans, the largest mangrove forest of the world is a cluster of islands spanning over
10,000 sq. km. Out of which 6017 sq. km. within Bangladesh territory and further extended for
another 3983 sq. km. Into Indian territory. Subdarbans meaning beautiful forest offer splendid
wildlife habitat supporting 333 species of plant, 400 spices of fishes and 425 species of wildlife
among of which 49 species mammals, 315 bird species, 53 reptiles and 8 amphibians. The larger
terrestrial mammals are Royal Bengal Tiger, spotted deer, Rhesus macaque and Indian smooth
otter.
The giant salt-water crocodiles, Rock Python, Monitor lizards and king cobra are the prominent
species of reptile group. Considering the great value of Sundarbans it has become now the part of
world heritage area that is equally important to the nature loving tourists. So the journey to this
wonderful jungle will be very much rewarding to know the unknown. This unsurpassed jungle is
only accessible by boat. The most attractive wildlife sanctuary and eco-tourism spots of

Sundarbans: Katka, Kachikhali, Tiger Point, Egg Island, Dubla Beach, Hiron Point, Tinkona,
Mandarbaria, Kalirchair, Pushpakathi
Wild life photography by still camera/filming- video/documentary/TV media. Experience with
exciting fishing by trained otter inside the narrow canal. Meet the nomadic fishermanwoodcutter-honey collectors, who are still on their primitive life style and culture. Rare birds
commonly seen: Masked fin foot, Adjutant stork, White bellied Sea Eagle, Kite Kingfisher,
Waders & Shore birds.
St. Martins Island:
This small coral island about 10km (6mi) southwest of the southern tip of the mainland is a
tropical clich, with beaches fringed with coconut palms and bountiful marine life. Theres
nothing more strenuous to do here than soak up the rays, but its a clean and peaceful place
without even a mosquito to disrupt your serenity. Its possible to walk around the island in a day
because it measures only 8 sq km (3 sq mi), shrinking to about 5 sq km (2 sq mi) during high
tide.
Most of islands 5500 inhabitants live primarily from fishing, and between October and April
fisher people from neighboring areas bring their catch to the islands temporary wholesale
market. A ferry leaves Teknaf for St Martin every day and takes around 3 hours. Getting to St.
Martins is a three-step program. First youll need to fly or bus it down to Coxs Bazaar, and then
catch a bus to Teknaf, which is right on the very tip of Bangladesh.
Maheskhali:
An island off the coast of Coxs Bazaar. It has an area of 268 square kilometers. Through the
center of the island and along the eastern coast line rises a range of low hills, 300 feet high; but
the coast to the west and north is a low-lying treat, fringed by mangrove jungle. In the hills on
the coast is built the shrine of Adinath, dedicated to Siva.
Bandarban:
The Bandarban hill district is 92-km distance from Chittagong and is situated in the southwest
flank of Myanmar hill range. This is the most attractive place to visit and to get a touch of tribal
life, luminous valley covered with dense forest, enchanting spring and falls, panoramic lake and

ideal for hill tracking. Here you will see the Moorang tribal villages, traditional markets and
Buddhist Temple. In an ecotourism lodge you will enjoy an overwhelming scenic surroundings
and natural setup during your stay in the cottage. Visit Shaila Prepat and Chimbook Hill.
Trekking to the hilltop (3800 feet high pick) has got a spectacular natural attraction specially to
witness the sunrise and sunset will give you a sensational experience.
Paharpur:
The biggest Buddhist monastery in the south of Himalayas having gigantic pyramidal temple
with 177 monastic cells and numerous votive stupas lays at Paharpur a picturesque village of
Jamalganj under greater Rajshahi district. The Paharpur Museum has got the rich collection of a
terracotta plaque, images of different gods & goddesses including the Buddhist status, relics,
copper plates and other objects.
Mohasthangarh:
Mohasthangarh is invariably an ancient fortified city acclaimed to be the oldest settlement and
the most prominent archaeological site of Bangladesh. The oldest layer dates back to 300 B.C.
The ancient Pundranagara, the capital of Emperor Chandragupta, the founder of Moyura dynasty
was located here and became great place during 322-298 BC. The fourth one goes to the
Islamic Middle Age from 15th to 16th century AD. The rich archaeological museum of
Mohasthangarh have got rare collection of antiquities, terracotta objects with many other relics
recovered from the site. This 7th century archaeological heritage contains not less than 63 stone
images and about 3000 beautiful terra-cota plaques originating many Buddhist religion and
Hindu epics.
Situational analysis:
Current Scenario in Bangladesh:
Gross Domestic Product (GDP):
The contribution of Travel & Tourism to Gross Domestic Product is expected to stay the same at
5.6% (BDT465.8 bn or US$7690.3 mn) in 2009-2012 to 5.6% (BDT1412.3 bn or US$15978.96
mn) by 2016.

Growth:
Real GDP growth for Travel & Tourism economy is expected to be 5.78% in current situation
and to average 8.64% per annum over the coming 3-5 years.
Exports:
Export earnings from international visitors and tourism goods are expected to generate 5.78% of
total exports (BDT63.5 bn or US$986.8 mn) in 2009-2012, growing (nominal terms) to
BDT134.5 bn or US$1,473.4 mn (3.5%) of total in 2019.
World Ranking:
The Bangladesh Travel & Tourism economy is ranked number:
84 in absolute size worldwide
172 in relative contribution to national economies
29 in long-term (10-year) growth
The principal channel of Government involvement in the tourism sector is the national tourism
organization, Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation, which is a semi autonomous government agency
reporting to the Ministry of civil Aviation and Tourism as its administrative Ministry. Many of
BPCs managerial matters are handling through the national Tourism Facilitation committee
headed by the secretary of the ministry of Aviation and Tourism.
BPC was created on the 27th November 1972 by order of the Government of the Peoples
Republic of Bangladesh and commenced business in January 1973. It was established as a
Corporation under the laws of the country with an authorized capital of Tk one core (roughly
US$ 1.3 million then) and initial share capital of Tk five lakhs (roughly US$ 65,000 then).
Government Investment in Tourism
(A) Government investment in BPC:

The latest available at the time of preparation of the master plan report shows total government
investment of over Tk. 20 crore. That amount, equivalent to us$ 6.7 million was composed of
fully paid capital of Tk 345 lakhs (us$ 1.15 million), grants Tk 281 lakhs (us$ 0.93 million), and
loans Tk 14.4 crore (us$ 4.82 million). Of the total investment at the balance sheet date, net
assets account for Tk 13.9 crore (us$ 4.62 million) and operating losses (including depreciation)
for Tk 9.2 crore (us$ 3.07 million).
(B) Government investment in Biman Bangladesh airlines:
Substantial levels of investment have taken place both in Biman and in the rehabilitation and
development of domestic airports. In TFYP, for example an allocation is made to Biman of Tk
140 crore (us$ 47 million), and to domestic airport development to Tk 70 crore (us$ 23 million),
for improvements at Sylhet and Chittagong and for further capital works at Zia international
Airport in Dhaka.
Private Investment in Tourism:
The tourism sector receives significant loan finance from the commercial banks. The starting
date for the period of income tax exemption for companies in the tourism sector has been
extended to June 1990. The period of exemption varies with the district in which the activity is
arrived on and portions of the profits must be reinvested in the activity or in government bonds.
Recent private sector investment initiatives appear limited to Dhaka, however. The primary
reasons for this would appear to be demand deficiency rather than any institutional constraints.
One of the examples of private investment in tourism is Fantasy Kingdom. Besides the Dream
Holiday Park is another new attractive visiting place, that opened last year.
Problems and constraints regarding tourism industry:
Infrastructure development and the resources required for that purpose are major problems
standing in the way of tourism development. Planned development of the tourist product is partly
dependent on the socio-economic conditions of the country, and this is problem as well.
Marketing of Bangladesh tourism abroad faces constraints created by inadequate funds and lack
of knowledge. The Bangladesh government and the Bangladesh Aid Group have taken seriously
the idea that Bangladesh is the test case for development. In the late1980s, it was possible to say,
in the somewhat patronizing tone sometimes adopted by representatives of donor organizations,

that Bangladesh had generally been a good performer. Even in straitened times for the
industrialized countries, Bangladesh remained a favored country for substantial commitments of
new aid resources from a strikingly broad range of donors. The total estimated disbursement for
FY 1988 was estimated at US$1.7 billion, unimpressive total but just US$16 per capita. Half of
that total was for food aid and other commodities of limited significance for economic growth.
Even with the greatest imaginable efficiency in planning and administration, resource-poor and
overpopulated Bangladesh cannot achieve significant economic improvements on the basis of
that level of assistance. Problems in brief despite occasional meetings and adoption of plans of
Lack of transport links (air, rail, road and sea transport connecting major tourist destinations)
Lack

of

sincerity

and

political

will

to

promote

Bangladesh

as

commontourism destination: This emanates due to competition between thecountries for tourists,
given that all of the countries offer somewhatsimilar tourist products and compete in the same
markets in the world.
There has been a lack of funds and technical expertise. The little seed money that the Bangladesh
Tourism Fund has been established with can pump prime the initial take-off, with publication of
promotional material sand familiarization tours.
Absence of effective coordination: This stands in the way of effective coordination among the
relevant departments, agencies and ministries in Bangladesh.
Government tax on hotel accommodation and food facility inBangladesh is also not adequate. An
ADB report points out that Hotel rates in Dhaka are high compared to neighboring countries,
reflecting the high taxation imposed on hotels in Bangladesh.Lack of government policy is also
a problem for tourism industry. This indicates that our tourism is in a problem of proper guide
line. Corruption: Corruption is one of the major problems regarding tourism industry in
Bangladesh. For that some foreign tourist fell into problem in their smooth and continue journey
in Bangladesh.

PROSPECTS

In examining the economy of Bangladesh, wherever one turns the problems crowd in and
threaten to overwhelm the analysis. Underlying problems that have threatened the young nation
remain unsolved. These problems include overpopulation and inadequate nutrition, health, and
education resources; a low standard of living, land scarcity, and vulnerability to natural disaster;
virtualabsence of valuable metals; and inadequate government and bureaucraticstructures. Yet the
brief history of independent Bangladesh offers much that is encouraging and satisfying. The
World

Bank,

leader

of

the

Bangladesh

AidGroup, described the country in 1987 as a success story for economicdevelopment

expressed

optimism

that

the

goals

of

the

and

Third

Five-

the

economy

Year Plan, and longer term development goals as well, could be attained.
The

picture

of

day-to-day

and

even

year-to-year

performance

of

of Bangladesh is a mixture of accomplishment and failure, not significantlydifferent from that of

the majority of poor Third World countries. Thegovernment and people of Bangladesh are
entitled to take some pride in the degree of success they have achieved since independence,
especially

when

onecontrasts their success with the gloomy forecasts of economists andinternational experts. The
international donor community, led by the World Bank, similarly can be proud of the role it has
played in assisting this largest poorest nation to become a respected member of the family of
nations. Some other prospects1.Tourism industry may be turned into the major source of earning
foreign currency for Bangladesh.
2. It has the ability to introduce Bangladesh with the people around the world.
3. Tourism industry can also help us to create a better image in the world.
4. It can also help Bangladesh in business purpose.
5. Bangladesh has a large number of tourist spot in its area. All of them are special in their own
character. So all of them have individual attraction for the tourist if some contractual work is
done for easier movement.
6. These tourist spots also can eliminate the unemployment problem of Bangladesh. Specialist
said that more than 30% employment could be increased if the government takes proper step for
the development of tourism areas.

7. The government of Bangladesh can earn a huge amount of revenue from this sector which can
help Bangladesh to establish a healthy economic condition.
8. If we can make a position in the 7 wonders through Coxs Bazar and Sundarbans then the
prospects of tourism industry in Bangladesh will be higher and higher.
9. As a third world country in the world Bangladesh can promote its position through the proper
utilization of tourism industry.
10. Thus the overall condition can be improved by proper utilization of tourism
sector.Reams of paper have gone into writing about the prospect of tourism inBangladesh

in

all the mediums of reporting. For the last three decades, we have been endeavoring to develop
tourism,

but

the

expectations

have

not

beenmet. The good news is that many high officials concerned with nationaldevelopment

always
have

recently come to understand the importance of tourism

SWOT Analysis:
SWOT stands for Strength, Weakness, and Opportunity & Threats. So SWOT analysis of tourism
industry is given below:
Strength:
1. Worlds longest beach.
2. Ensure customer security.
3. Best quality service at reasonable price.
4. Secure transportations.
5. 5.

Hospitability management.

6. 6.

Unique forest like Sundarban.

7. 7.

Introducing distinctive entertainment program.

Weakness:
1. Incapability to cover all the tourist spot in Bangladesh.

2. Limited capital.
3. Limited area of operation.
4. Lack of modern technology.
Opportunities:
1. Possibility to develop new tourist areas in Bangladesh.
2. Involvement of govt. incentives.
3. Expansion of tourist places information through internet.
4. Develop the existing tourist places to attract more tourists.
5. Number of tourist is increasing day by day.
Threats:
1. Political instability.
2. Economic inflation.
3. Natural disasters.
4. lack of communication facility

Findings
1. Tourism industry of Bangladesh has a greater impact and prospect in the overall socioeconomic condition of Bangladesh.
2. Bangladesh has a large number of known and unknown tourist spot around the country such as
Coxs Bazar, Kuakata, Kantajee Tample,Saint Martins Island, Sonargoan, Syllet, Sundarbans,
Ramsagor, and soon.

3. In the Bangladesh, tourism has not achieved the optimal level of development and status
.Tourism business in Bangladesh, as measured by yearly tourist arrivals. With 1 million in 2012
it constitutes about 0 .125 per cent of world total of over 800 million.
4. A large number of tourists come to visit Bangladesh each and every year. Though these
number can be increased through proper steps and policies.
5. About 446421000 taka was earned from the tourism sector in Bangladesh in 2012. But it is not
adequate with our spots. We can earn double or triple amount by taking proper policies.
6. Notional tourism policy was formed in 1992. And in the 2012 it is developed and updated. But
yet it needs some additional change in the whole policy.
7. Tourism master plan of Bangladesh was formed in 1988. But now the world is more
competitive in every sector. So it need some change to compete with the other country.
Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation is the national tourism organization. They have lack of resource
and man power facility. So, though they want to do something but cant.
9. Though communication and transport system in Bangladesh is quite well-established, the
infrastructure in the tourist places is yet to be fully developed.
10. People of Bangladesh are generally very hospitable and tourist friendly.
11. The country possesses some unique archaeological sites, cultural heritage and eco-tourism
products like the worlds largest mangrove forest, the Sundarbans, the worlds longest
unbroken sea beach in Coxs Bazar (120km), the oldest archaeological site in the Southern
Himalayas-Paharpur and worlds largest terracotta temple Kantaji Temple in Dinajpur, and
spectacular monuments and mausoleums of language movement and liberation war of the
country.
12. Absence of a regular policy direction. Due to absence of proper policy direction, BPC or the
private sector cannot receive any fund or loan from any quarter.
13. The country often suffers from image crisis. The country continues to remain as an unknown
destination to the tourist generating countries.

14. Government has formulated favorable foreign investment policy to attract overseas investors
in readymade garments, leather goods, natural gas and petroleum sector and liberal policy for
joint venture investment in tourism sector.
15. Bangladesh is a country of natural disaster. In 2007, Sidor attracted our country and made a
huge damage to the whole country as well as the tourist spots.

Recommendations
Based on main analytical view, standard advertisement is vital side for developing.
Advertisement plays a vital role to run any anything as well. But in my analysis, I have found
that the TV and internet advertisement of tourism sites in Bangladesh is not satisfactory at all. So
the government as well as all class people of the country should take more attention to
advertising.
First step: Aim for sustainability
Tourism is internationally often praised as an effective development tool, especially in rural areas
and the developing world. The presence of tourism in any destination always brings with it
economic, environmental and socio-cultural impacts. A sustainable development would have a
huge positive impact in Bangladesh, but it is only achievable by balancing the needs of tourists
with those of the destination.
At the same time sustainable tourism minimize the increasingly well-known tourism side effects
on people and populations, nature and culture, which are caused by the enormous amounts of
transportation, the consumption of resources, inadequate preparation of travel and inappropriate
behavior at the destination.
Many destinations have learned a hard lesson, when their uncontrolled tourism development has
benefited short term business success at the cost of negative affect side effects like prostitution,
pollution, high living cost, lost of cultural identity and extinction of species. In order to not
repeat the mistake of other destinations, Bangladesh must aim for a long-term sustainable
tourism development.

Second step: Actions through increased cooperation

Sustainable tourism development is by far an easy task and the responsibility for the present and
future national tourism development is shared by all players involved. Some of the players easy
forgotten are the many knowledgeable and visionary professionals in sectors related to tourism,
e.g.

education

institutions,

NGOs,

nature

conservation

and

finance.

Countries with modest corporation between the public authorities and the private tourism sector,
like Bangladesh, should be inspired by the concept of New Tourism.
This concept is introduced in the report Blueprint for tourism (2003) from The World Travel &
Tourism Council (WTTC). New Tourism pushes for a new sense of coherent partnership between
the private sector and public authorities to deliver commercially successful products but in a
way that ensures benefits for everyone. It focuses on long-term benefits not only for people who
travel, but also for people in the communities they visit, and for their respective natural, social
and cultural environments. WTTC recommend the flowering action from new tourism players:
Government should: Show leadership by defining coherent and streamlined management
structures that can efficiently drive New Tourism; Elevate Travel & Tourism to strategic national
level with senior level policy-making; and Factor Travel & Tourism into all policies and
decision-making, to promote growth that respects both business needs of citizens.
Industry should: Adapt strategic thinking so as to develop tourism with benefits for everyone;
Extend and diversify product offerings to improve yields and social value; and Spearhead
innovative management and help spread best practice through corporate social responsibility.
All stakeholders should: Cooperate in identifying opportunities for growth; Focus on building
Travel & Tourism that opens up prospects for people from employment to development; and
Work together to remove impediments to growth from infrastructure shortcomings to pollution,
and from outdated legislation to unmet health and security concerns.
Third step: Knowledge the inspiration to act wisely:
The obstacles that Bangladeshi tourism faces include areas of marketing, management,
infrastructure, policy, safety, regulation, image, destination development. These obstacles are not
unique they are actually the reality of worldwide tourism destinations. Solutions should always
be adjusted to a specific context but valuable inspiration can be found in the success,

experiences and knowledge of others. A key to successful tourism management of all levels is
therefore access to national and international updated knowledge on best practices, tourism
trends, travel statistics, target market development, sustainability status etc.
One place to start searching for inspiration is the webpage Views on Tourism Knowledge and
Inspiration to the Bangladeshi Tourism Sector. This free of cost service was launched in
December 2008 with the objective to gather national, regional and international knowledge on
the many topics related to a sustainable tourism development. The vision is to create an online
tourism knowledge pool with contribution from knowledgeable and visionary players related to
tourism.

Conclusion
It is evident from the above discussion that tourism worldwide including in the Bangladesh is an
expanding sector. It is already a significant source of foreign exchange earning and employment
generation in our country. Bangladesh has potentials to harness, individually and collectively, for
development of tourism sector. However, the progress in cooperation in this area in our region is
quite slow, with no substantive achievement even in any particular area. Low levels of interregional tourism within Bangladesh need to be addressed. It is expected that the governments of
Bangladesh, with lessons learned from other groups in the world, will take vigorous steps to
remove

the

barriers

standing

from other countries in the world.

in

the

way. Bangladesh has

many

lessons to learn