Key Highlights:
- 3 of the 1007 World Heritage Sites are located in Bangladesh: the Sundarbans, the Sixty-dome Mosque in Bagerhat, and the Ruins of the Buddhist Vihara at Paharpur
- Tourism insiders foresee domestic tourism contributing 4.7% to the GDP by 2024
- The government intends to earmark $105.5 million for enhancing infrastructure, encompassing roads, electricity, and security
Bangladesh, often referred to as the ‘Land of Rivers’, is an emerging treasure trove of tourism, brimming with verdant landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. From the world’s longest natural sea beach at Cox’s Bazar to the ancient ruins that dot its countryside, Bangladesh offers a journey through time and nature. It’s a land where every sunset over the Sundarbans’ mangrove forest paints a story, and every turn in its bustling markets narrates the tales of tradition.
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Three of the 1007 World Heritage Sites are located in Bangladesh: the Sundarbans, the Sixty-dome Mosque in Bagerhat, and the Ruins of the Buddhist Vihara at Paharpur. According to the Bangladesh Tourism Corporation, there are over 1500 places to visit in the country, with approximately 50 being popular tourist destinations. In 2023, Bangladesh welcomed 0.21 million foreign tourists, contributing 3.02% to the gross domestic product (GDP) of the country.
Consequently, the travel and tourism industry is increasingly regarded as a promising catalyst for the economic development of Bangladesh. By promoting domestic tourism, enhancing connectivity, improving infrastructure at tourist sites, promoting geographical indication (GI)-based products, Bangladesh has the potential to become an attractive tourist hub.
Emerging Domestic Destinations Beckon Adventure Seekers
Domestic Tourism on the Rise
- Projected GDP Contribution by 2024: 4.7%
- Annual Domestic Tourists (2000): 300,000
- Annual Domestic Tourists (2024): 7,000,000
In recent years, domestic travel has evolved significantly, with more people preferring personalized vacations and activities. Tourism insiders foresee domestic tourism contributing 4.7% to the GDP by 2024. Reliable data shows a surge in domestic tourists visiting remote destinations, from 300,000 to 500,000 in 2000 to approximately 7,000,000 annually.
However, some observers highlight obstacles like socio-economic factors and high travel costs hindering domestic tourism growth, including the home-centered nature of many middle-class individuals and the deterrent of high expenses for travel. Offering off-season tourism concessions and reductions, as observed in many countries, could greatly alleviate financial concerns for fixed-income tourists.
National tourists often have limited choices, with Eid tours typically limited to—Cox’s Bazar, Inani, and Kuakata. Additionally, forest-covered hills and easily accessible destinations like the Sundarbans and Sajek Valley hold a unique appeal for these tourists.
However, there are downsides. The overwhelming influx of tourists to established sites during peak seasons continues to mar their pristine beauty, leading to pollution, and overcrowded accommodations. Nevertheless, newer spots are gaining popularity, showcasing the country’s domestic tourism potential.
Hotel Prices:
- Budget hotels: 400 – 700 Tk (€4 – 8/$4.50 – 9) per night.
- Mid-range hotels: 1,000 – 3,000 Tk (€11 – 33/$12 – 36) per night.
- Luxury hotels (4 stars and above): From 6,500+ Tk (€70+/75+) per night.
Tour Packages:
- Cox’s Bazar (3 Days 2 Nights): Tk 21,500
- Grand Sundarbans (3 Days): Tk 15,190
- Saint Martin (3 Nights 2 Days): Tk 18,000
Infrastructure Upgrades Catapult Tourism Industry Growth
The Bangladesh government is enhancing travel and tourism standards due to growing interest. The Bangladesh Tourism Board (BTB) has finalized a tourism master plan to attract 5.57 million foreign tourists annually by 2041, necessitating $1.08 billion in public and private investments for 10 tourism clusters. Additionally, the government intends to earmark $105.5 million for enhancing infrastructure, encompassing roads, electricity, and security.
Commencing its service on December 1, 2023, Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar railway has introduced a novel dimension to travel options with a capacity to accommodate approximately 100,000 passengers daily. The journey to Cox’s Bazar has become a more comfortable alternative to traditional bus routes.
The inauguration of the Padma Bridge marks a watershed moment for tourism in Bangladesh as well. This monumental structure has slashed travel time by 4-6 hours to 21 administrative districts from Dhaka, promising to catalyze weekend tourism. Visitors now have the opportunity to embark on swift getaways to scenic destinations such as Kuakata, Bagerhat, or even indulge in a safari adventure in the Sundarbans.
In addition to the newly established routes, plans are underway to enhance connectivity by linking Dawki in Meghalaya via Tamabil and Sutarkandi in Assam via Sheola to the two major ports in Bangladesh. Efforts to improve road connectivity in Dawki, Sutarkandi, and Akhaura are also in progress.
Bangladesh Tourism Master Plan by 2041
- 5.57M Annual Foreign Tourists Target
- $1.08B Investment Needed
- 10 Tourism Clusters Identified
- $105.5M Infrastructure Enhancement
GI Products Await Their Star Turn on Tourism Map
A social movement recently swept through Bangladesh advocating for the recognition of Tangail Sarees’ Geographical Indication (GI). There arose a clamor to include renowned regional products on the GI list. Responding to this, the Ministry of Commerce has already listed 28 GI products, with nationwide registration for inclusion ongoing.
Bangladesh’s journey with GI recognition began in 2016 with the acknowledgment of Jamdani sarees as the first GI product. Since then, an additional 20 products have gained recognition. Among the recently approved GI products are Tangail sarees, Amritsagar Banana from Narsingdi, and Rasgolla from Gopalganj. Currently underway for recognition are Nakshi Kantha from Jamalpur and Khejur Gur from Jashore.
Despite worldwide fame, the origins of most GI-listed products, like Natore’s Kachagolla, remain unclear. Products like Fazli Mango of Rajshahi-Chapainawabganj and Bagda Shrimp, along with Langra and Ashwina Mango of Chapainawabganj, though individually known, lack dedicated tourist attractions. Therefore, besides listing GI products, there’s a pressing need to develop tourist hubs where visitors, both domestic and international, can learn about the processes, origins, and histories behind these products.
The development of GI-based tourism would not only draw local residents to these professions but also generate additional income from tourism alongside the sales of goods. Products like Natore’s Kachagolla, Cumilla’s Rasmalai, and Tangail’s Chamcham, each with their unique GI, are sought after by tourists who traverse distances to experience them. The tales of Jamdani and Dhakai muslin cloth passed down through generations, attract foreign tourists who journey between countries to acquire or witness these GI products. By fostering GI-based tourism, Bangladesh can elevate the brand value of these products to new heights.
Bangladesh’s GI certified Products
- Bangladesh Hilsa
- Khirsapat Mango of Chapainawabganj
- White soil of Vijaypur
- Kataribhog Rice of Dinajpur
- Kalijira Rice
- Shataranji Rice of Rangpur
- Rajshahi Silk
- Dhakai Muslin
- Rajshahi-Chapainbabganj Fazli Mango
- Bangladeshi Bagda Shrimp
- Bangladeshi Shital Pati
- Curd of Bogra
- Tulshimala Paddy of Sherpur
- Langra Mango of Chapainbabganj
- Ashwina Mango of Chapainbabganj
- Natore Kachagolla
- Black Bengal Goat
- Tangail Porabari Chamcham
- Comilla Rashmalai
- Kushtia Sesame Khaja
From the mystical allure of the Sundarbans to the gastronomic delights of Natore’s Kachagolla, Bangladesh beckons travelers to embark on a journey of discovery. As the nation invests in infrastructure, connectivity, and promotion of its GI-listed treasures, it stands poised to become a captivating destination, weaving tales of tradition, history, and natural splendor into an unforgettable tapestry. The time is ripe for Bangladesh to stake its claim as an emerging jewel on the global tourism map, inviting adventurers and connoisseurs alike to immerse themselves in its enchanting embrace.
