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Experts Discuss Bangladesh’s Tourism Challenges and Prospects
At a seminar on Monday, speakers emphasized Bangladesh's diverse tourism assets—forests, beaches, hills, wildlife, indigenous cultures, historical sites, and vibrant festivals—which collectively attract both domestic and international visitors.
Despite being recognized as a key sector for national development, the tourism industry faces significant challenges. However, the discussants believe that with well-planned strategies, tourism could significantly contribute to the nation’s economy and help achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
To realize these goals, a thorough evaluation of public policies and strategic frameworks is essential. The government has established three tourism zones and improved facilities at key sites, implementing various measures aimed at promoting sustainable tourism.
Revitalizing the industry demands urgent, innovative strategies to tackle challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, security concerns, poor transport networks, and a lack of sufficient hospitality options. These gaps pose serious threats to the sector’s growth and sustainability, making infrastructure improvements and environmental considerations crucial for enhancing tourism's contribution to Bangladesh’s GDP.
The seminar, titled “Tourism for Attaining SDGs: Challenges and Prospects for Bangladesh,” was organized by the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) at its auditorium.
Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain served as the chief guest, with Nasreen Jahan, Secretary of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, as a special guest. Major General Iftekhar Anis, BIISS Director General, delivered the welcome address, while Ambassador AFM Gousal Azam Sarker, Chairman of BIISS, chaired the session.
Abu Sufian, Executive Director of Tourism Research & Development, presented the keynote address, followed by a panel discussion featuring Dr. Sufia Khanom, Senior Research Fellow at BIISS, Md Abu Kalam Siddique, DIG of Tourist Police, and Dr. Munal Mahbub, Director in Charge at FBCCI.
The seminar concluded with an open discussion where senior officials, diplomats, researchers, business leaders, and representatives from various sectors shared their insights and suggestions.