The opening of the Padma Bridge in Bangladesh is set to have a significant impact on the country’s tourism industry. The bridge is the largest infrastructure project in the country’s history and connects the southern part of the country to the capital, and the rest of the country. The bridge will provide greater accessibility to the many scenic spots in the country’s south, which are currently difficult to access due to inadequate communication systems and a lack of security.
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Revolutionary developments in communication management have already connected 21 districts in the southern part of the country to the rest, making the development of the tourism industry in the region inevitable. The government has a vision and a master plan for the tourism industry, which could account for around 30% of the country’s GDP with proper planning and development.
Potential for the Development of Tourism Industry
The Padma Bridge will multiply the potential for the development of the tourism industry in Bangladesh. The biggest obstacle to the industry’s growth was the inadequacy of the communication system and lack of security, which the bridge has addressed. The government has a master plan with eleven spots in the country in focus. The development of the tourism industry, however, will require proper planning, expansion of large-scale tourism facilities, and political stability. With the bridge’s construction, the government’s master plan of the eleven spots across the country for tourism development will become more accessible to visitors. The government has also prioritised the development of tourist spots in Barisal and Khulna, which are expected to benefit significantly from the increased accessibility provided by the Padma Bridge.
According to the Bangladesh Tourism Board, the tourism industry in the country has been growing steadily, with an average growth rate of 6.5% per year. However, despite this growth, the industry’s contribution to the country’s GDP remains modest, at around 4.4%. To unlock the full potential of the tourism industry, proper planning and development of large-scale tourism facilities are essential. Additionally, political stability is necessary to ensure the safety and security of tourists, which has been a concern for the industry. By addressing these issues, the completion of the Padma Bridge is expected to pave the way for a thriving tourism industry in Bangladesh, providing significant economic benefits to the country.
Improving Accessibility
The Padma Bridge’s impact on the tourism industry will be to improve accessibility to scenic spots in the southern part of Bangladesh. The bridge will connect Teknaf to Tetulia and provide a route for tourists to reach the many scenic spots in the region, which includes Patuakhali, the green land of immense beauty. The proper implementation of the planned tourism industry based on the Padma Bridge will have a significant impact on the economy of Bangladesh. Another supporting factor to consider is that the Padma Bridge will also improve transportation of goods and services, which can support the growth of tourism infrastructure. The bridge is expected to boost economic activities in the southern part of the country, which includes the development of the tourism industry. According to the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA), the bridge’s construction has already led to a surge in investment in the region. BEZA reports that over 300 investors have shown interest in investing in tourism-related projects in the region, including hotels, resorts, and amusement parks. The improved transportation system provided by the bridge will not only benefit the tourism industry but also help other industries grow and develop in the region.
Global Branding
The Padma Bridge is being reported to be connected with the Trans-Asian Express Highway route, and global branding is essential to making the bridge known to the world. The bridge should be known for being nothing short of an “Engineering Marvel.” The development of international standard amusement parks and five-star hotels for recreation could help build the bridge’s global reputation. It will surely attract tourists worldwide. In addition to its infrastructure, the Padma Bridge project has prioritised environmental sustainability. The project has adopted measures to minimise the adverse impact of construction on the river’s ecology and the surrounding environment. The bridge is also expected to facilitate the transportation of goods, which will contribute to the growth of the country’s economy. The combination of sustainable development, improved infrastructure, and increased economic growth is expected to create a positive impact on Bangladesh’s image on the global stage, thereby drawing more tourists towards the country.
To conclude, the Padma Bridge’s opening has unlocked immense potential for the development of the tourism industry in Bangladesh. With proper planning and development, the industry could account for around 30% of the country’s GDP. The development of the industry will uphold the economic image of the country and take Bangladesh to a unique height in the world.
