Tourism is a vital pillar of the economy, acting as a significant driver of foreign currency inflow. It provides a crucial boost to a nation's foreign reserves. When tourists visit, they bring liquid dollars and spend across various sectors, strengthening the economy. Countries like Dubai and other Arab nations have focused heavily on tourism as a cornerstone of their economic growth. Tourists contribute through airfare, hotel stays, transportation, shopping, dining, and more, positively impacting multiple economic sectors.
Europe remains a global hub for tourism, with France attracting the highest number of tourists, followed by Italy and Spain. In Asia, Japan leads the tourism sector, followed by Malaysia, China, and Thailand. Our neighbouring country, India, welcomed approximately 9.24 million foreign tourists last year. Nepal attracted over 1.0 million tourists, and Sri Lanka welcomed around 1.5 million. In comparison, Bangladesh hosted only around 650,000 foreign tourists last year, according to the Bangladesh Tourism Board (BTB).
The difference is disheartening, especially since Bangladesh has abundant natural and cultural attractions. Sylhet and Chattogram boast stunning landscapes, while the historic Old Dhaka is emerging as an exciting destination. Despite these treasures, the tourism sector in Bangladesh has failed to reach its potential compared to other countries in the region.
The first step towards improving tourism in Bangladesh is to identify its weaknesses. One major issue is the lack of effective promotion. Our tourist attractions are not advertised adequately on the international stage. To attract foreign visitors, we must focus on showcasing the unique beauty and cultural richness of Bangladesh.
Another critical challenge is addressing the basic needs of tourists. Infrastructure and services must align with global standards. Our social structure is not yet tourist-friendly, and many visitors feel insecure while travelling in Bangladesh. The absence of professional tourist guides is another significant drawback. Additionally, concerns about food safety-such as the sale of contaminated food in restaurants-further deter potential tourists.
Most hotels and tourist sites are not designed to cater to foreign visitors, leaving them feeling uncomfortable. These shortcomings need immediate attention if we are to unlock the potential of our tourism sector.
The government must take proactive steps to address these obstacles. Investments should be made to improve infrastructure, train professional tourist guides, and enforce strict regulations to ensure food safety. To attract international tourists, joint ventures with private companies can help create facilities that meet global standards.
Gourango Saha,
North South University
[email protected]
