Promote agro-tourism to support local businesses
Say experts
FE REPORT |
February 04, 2025 00:00:00
Bangladesh has huge potential for expanding agriculture-based tourism, which could create jobs, support local businesses, reduce poverty and develop rural communities, said Bangladesh Tourism Board (BTB) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Abu Tahir Muhammad Zaber.
In a workshop held at the Bangladesh Tourism Board Conference Room on Monday, the CEO further said, "Agro-tourism can help improve education, skills and the standard of living in rural areas. It can also help promote sustainable farming practices and reduce the environmental impact of tourism in the country."
Agro-tourism can also play a role in promoting the country's agriculture diversity, cultural traditions and local products, he added. Bangladesh Tourism Board in association with Bangladesh Flower Society organised the workshop on 'Introducing Agro-Tourism in Bangladesh'. A Netherlands-based organisation, 'PUM Netherlands', supported the workshop.
Harro Boekhold, an agro-tourism expert from PUM Netherlands, shed light on how agro-based tourism can be expanded in Bangladesh.
Agro-based tourism can be developed with any agricultural produce, be it fruits, flowers or grains, said Mr Harro, adding that it can also be developed with fisheries, or livestock farms.
"Agro-tourism will include agricultural-based activities and will attract visitors to a farm. It will give tourists an opportunity to meet farmers and to know how food is produced," Harro said.
Agro-tourism will generate additional income for families in rural areas, diversify the income in rural areas, create opportunities there and help urban people to understand the important role of farming and rural life, he added.
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