Dhaka on Saturday hosted a tourism promotion networking session inviting nearly 100 tour operators from India, Nepal, Bhutan and Sri Lanka as Bangladesh wants to attract regional tourists, especially from landlocked neighbouring countries, showcasing its sandy beaches. Bangladesh Tourism Board (BTB) has arranged the endeavour for the first time titled "Mujib's Bangladesh: Tourism Promotion and B2B Exchange Programme".
In absence of sound infrastructure, adequate budget and lack of innovative measures, our tourism sector lags behind global standards. Even though we often take pride in the abundance and richness of our natural beauties, it is saddening that tourism industry of the country has long been neglected. As a consequence, despite having a number of new but potential tourist spots, tourists usually go to Cox’s Bazar, Saint Martin’s and Sundarbans. But beyond these popular and familiar ones, there are a number of new and potential tourist spots that have remained unexplored.
A number of new tourist spots are emerging in the hill and beach areas of Chattogram and Cox’s Bazar, vast forest areas of Sylhet and Sundarbans, thanks to social media for helping us explore new tourist spots.
The government should take
necessary steps to create a
distinctive brand image
of Bangladesh as a popular
tourist destination before the world
But most of these spots remain undeveloped due to lack of proper tourist guidelines and catalogues to promote division-wise tourist spots. Also, there is no concrete plan and target to encourage foreign tourists to visit and explore new tourist spots in Bangladesh.
Most tourists consider safety and security, accommodation, transportation, adventure, wildlife and natural attraction etc. as the most important issues. Therefore, sound infrastructure should be built in the new and potential tourist spots to attract more tourists. Also, necessary steps should be taken to provide the tourists with other logistical support.
It is good to note that many private tourist agencies and social media groups are working to revive the country’s tourist industry, and popularize the untapped tourist zones. To this end, departments concerned including Bangladesh Tourism Board and Tourism Ministry should work hand in hand to identify, develop and promote new and potential tourist spots.
The government should take necessary steps to create a distinctive brand image of Bangladesh as a popular tourist destination before the world. We believe, working together the tourism industry of Bangladesh can play an important role in boosting the country’s GDP.