We note with frustration that despite having rich panoramic beauty, magnificent historical sites and vibrant culture, Bangladesh cannot make any significant stride in the tourism sector as it still lags behind other South Asian countries in tourism development. Poor management, lack of infrastructural facilities and suitable transport system are said to be the main reasons for the dismal picture of the country’s tourism sector. Tourism plays an important role in the country’s economic development and so, we need to focus on the development of this vital sector on urgent basis.
Bangladesh boasts a good many tourist attractions, including the Sundarbans, the world’s largest mangrove forest, Cox’s Bazar, the longest sea beach of the world, deep forests in Chattogram Hill Tracks (CHT) and archeological sites. But the number of foreign tourists visiting here continue to decline as the authorities concerned appear to have a blind eye to this potential sector.
The World Economic Forum placed Bangladesh in 109th position in its latest ranking on the countries in regard to the size of their tourism industries. The ranking covered the 2024 and was published in January of the same year. Bangladesh lost nine places on ranking, considering its 100th position in 2021. The latest slip came following improvement in business since 2017, when WEF ranked Bangladesh 125th.
According to Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation’s (BPC) latest data, tourism accounts for around 10 percent of the global GDP while its contribution to Bangladesh’s GDP remains only three percent. In contrast, tourism in all neighbouring countries— India, Nepal, Bhutan, the Maldives and Sri Lanka- maintain strong growth. The World Travel and Tourism Council reported that India earned $37 billion from tourism sector in 2024. Even Pakistan ranked above Bangladesh at 101st position on WEF’s latest Travel and Tourism Development Index 2024, scoring 3.41 out of 7 compared to Bangladesh’s score of 3.19. The Maldives remains the most tourism-reliant economy in South Asia with 68 percent of its GDP dependent on the sector.
Bangladesh’s earnings from foreign tourists fell in 2024. According to ADB report, Bangladesh earned $452 million in 2023 but the earnings dropped to $440 million in 2024, showing a sluggish trend in the sector.
Industry insiders cited lack of diversity as one of the major obstacles to expanding tourism business in the country. They also say tourists often have little reason to revisit the same destinations.
“Bangladesh has no plan to attract tourists. Country’s tourism sector remains at the same position as it was decades ago,” said Shoeb-Ur-Rahman, associate professor of Tourism and Hospitality Department at Dhaka University.
He also mentioned that tourists often complain of syndicates controlling every aspect of travel —from hotels to transport. In cox’s Bazar, hotel fare and food cost is excessively high with almost every trader exploiting tourists, Shoeb added.
We hope the government and the agencies concerned will take seriously all the problems facing the tourism sector of the country and resolve those to help the sector flourish in the greater national interest.
