Sustainable tourism is Bangladesh’s untapped engine for growth
This year, World Tourism Day was observed with the theme "Tourism and Sustainable Transformation." Bangladesh has recently approved a proposal to upgrade the celebration of this day from a 'C' category to a 'B' category event, according to the current Advisory Council. This year's theme invites a renewed discussion on reimagining tourism as a foundation for equitable development, cultural and heritage conservation, protection of flora and fauna, environmental preservation, and community resilience—rather than merely viewing it as a driver of economic growth. Alongside recognising the immense potential of the tourism industry, the day also offers an opportunity to develop new strategies for improving Bangladesh's position in this sector.
The country's tourism sector has recently experienced a marked decline in foreign arrivals. An Asian Development Bank report noted that Bangladesh's earnings from foreign tourists fell in 2024, from $453 million in 2023 to $440 million in 2024—equivalent to around Tk 153 crore. Consequently, the country's tourism is now largely dependent on domestic visitors. Although local tourist centres become crowded during holidays such as Eid, the picture of international tourism remains starkly different. In this regard, Bangladesh still lags behind other South Asian countries. According to Index Mundi, which measures the performance of countries in terms of foreign tourists, Bangladesh is ranked 141st out of 188 countries and 42nd out of 46 Asian countries. While tourism revenue has increased in India, the Maldives, and Sri Lanka, it has declined in Bangladesh.
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In 2024, tourism accounted for 10 percent of the global economy, contributing $10.9 trillion to global GDP. The sector supported 357 million jobs worldwide, approximately one in every ten jobs, highlighting its central role in the labour market. It is a service sector that bolsters economies and provides large-scale employment in sectors including transportation, accommodation, food services, and entertainment facilities. If Bangladesh can capture even a fraction of this already existing market, its economy could be transformed through tourism.
Tourism is not only an economic sector but also a catalyst for social progress, education, employment, and new opportunities. Tourism-centric destinations strengthen ties between different peoples and cultures. However, this year's Tourism Day theme further emphasises the need to protect the environment, conserve biodiversity, safeguard ecosystems and reduce emissions in the tourism sector. In Bangladesh, the authorities concerned should also prioritise sustainable tourism transformation. For instance, deforestation in the Sundarbans is destroying its biodiversity, while daily waste continues to damage the environment in Cox's Bazar. Developing sustainable tourism would help protect Bangladesh's environment. Alongside tourism development, environmental preservation and the interests of local communities must be safeguarded to ensure long-term benefits.
Bangladesh's natural wealth and diversity can strongly support the growth of the tourism industry. The country boasts the world's longest sea beach at Cox's Bazar, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Sundarbans—the largest mangrove forest in the world—numerous haors, rivers, canals, and beels, as well as the ecologically rich Tanguar Haor. Its stunning natural beauty, rich history and heritage, diverse culture and fascinating lifestyles make Bangladesh a multi-dimensional tourist destination. Yet, political instability has also had a significant impact on the recent decline in foreign visitors. Increasing international promotion of Bangladesh's tourist attractions, archaeological sites and religious pilgrimage destinations could help draw more foreign tourists. Similarly, offering online or electronic visa facilities could ease access.
Special attention is also required to build skilled human resources, improve communication systems and address security concerns in developing the tourism industry. Without modernising the infrastructure of quality hotels and tourist centres, Bangladesh will struggle to attract international visitors. A comprehensive plan is essential for the development of this sector, and all stakeholders must work together. With the right action plan in place, the tourism industry could play a pivotal role in the economic and social development of Bangladesh.
Talukder Monjur Elahi is a banker. He can be reached at [email protected].
Views expressed in this article are the author's own.
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