World Tourism Day and the Potential of Bangladesh

World Tourism Day 2024, September 27 will be celebrated as World Tourism Day all over the world including Bangladesh. The day is celebrated every year to highlight the importance of global tourism and its social, cultural, political and economic value. The United Nations Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has been celebrating this day since 1980.

The theme of this year’s World Tourism Day is Tourism and Peace, but the Bangladesh Tourism Board has set the theme of tourism and peace as the theme of the day.

“Tourism as a Bridge to Peace in Bengali is Parjatan Shantir Shopan” means that tourism is not only for economic development, but also serves as a means of developing understanding, harmony and peace among people. People from different cultures interact with each other and gain new knowledge, which helps to eliminate misunderstandings. As a result, peaceful co-existence and relations developed between different castes, religions and communities.

Through the tourism people get acquainted with new places, culture, tradition and history. It develops tolerance, empathy and intercultural understanding among them, which is an important step on the road to peace.

The theme of World Tourism Day 2024 also supports this concept and highlights tourism as a means of peace building.

Every year Tourism Day in Bangladesh is celebrated through various programs, seminars, fairs, and special initiatives at tourist places, which contribute to the development of the country’s tourism industry.

Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry Secretary Nasreen Jahan said about the need for tourism development, “We need to take more effective initiatives for the development of the tourism sector in Bangladesh. It is important to focus on improving the infrastructure, security and service quality of tourist centers to attract tourists at the domestic and international levels.”

She also said, “It is possible to promote Bangladesh’s tourism industry widely by using the global recognition and popularity of the Honorable Chief Advisor to the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, Nobel Laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus. In this regard, effective steps should be taken.”

This is the best opportunity to highlight the natural beauty, tradition and culture of our country at the international level. In addition to increasing foreign communication, the use of technology in the tourism industry should be increased and the quality of service should be improved.

Various programs have been undertaken in Bangladesh on the occasion of World Tourism Day 2024. This year’s theme is “Tourism as a Gateway to Peace”, which highlights the importance of promoting global peace and unity through tourism. Various programs and activities will be held on this occasion.

Nasreen Jahan said that tourism can play an important role in the economic development of the country. Sustainable tourism management is essential for the development and expansion of the country’s tourism industry. This can be helpful not only in economic prosperity, but also in social inclusion and preservation of local culture.

Bangladesh Tourism Board (BTB) has undertaken various activities to celebrate World Tourism Day 2024. Based on the theme of 2024 “Tourism is the Step of Peace”, the celebration will highlight the various tourist destinations of Bangladesh and promote peace and cultural exchange through tourism.

On this occasion, a colorful rally has been organized in Dhaka, which will start from Parjatan Bhawan. Employees of hotels, restaurants, airlines, travel agencies and other tourism industries will participate in it. Along with this event, a special discussion meeting will be held, in which local and international tourism organizations will participate.

Apart from this, World Tourism Day will be celebrated across the country. Special rallies, tourism fairs, seminars, and cultural events will be organized in major cities of the country. Dhaka, Chittagong, Cox’s Bazar, Sylhet and other tourist centers will have special activities around this day. Tourist agencies, hotels, restaurants and travel agencies will be given special discounts and offers to attract local and international tourists.

Prospects and problems of tourism in Bangladesh.

Probability:

Natural beauty: Bangladesh has attractive natural places like Cox’s Bazar Beach, Sundarbans, the world’s largest mangrove forest, St. Martin’s Island, Sajek Valley, Rangamati, Sylhet Tea Gardens, and Tanguar Haor, which attract local and foreign tourists.

Heritage and Culture: The rich history and culture of Bangladesh is a major attraction for tourists. There are ancient historical sites such as Mahasthangarh, Paharpur Buddhist Vihara, Shatgambuj Mosque and historical structures like Sonargaon.

Religious Tourism: Various religious establishments are also an important part of the tourism industry in Bangladesh. It can be a religious tourist center for Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians.

Low cost: Tourism costs are low in Bangladesh compared to other countries, which helps to attract foreign tourists.

Problem:

Inadequate Infrastructure: The infrastructure of the tourist centers is not up to international standards. Quality of hotels, restaurants, transport system, sanitation etc. should be improved.

Lack of Adequate Promotion and Marketing: There is not enough promotion of the tourism centers of Bangladesh at the international level, as a result many foreign tourists are not aware of the tourism potential of Bangladesh, this sector of immense potential has been left behind in the name of development due to massive looting, corruption and bureaucratic complications.

Security Issues: Ensuring the safety of tourists is still a challenge. In particular, there are law and order problems in some areas, which hinder the safety of tourists, in which case the tourist police should be used more extensively.

Environmental Pollution and Degradation: The natural beauty of some tourist spots is being damaged due to environmental pollution and neglect. Deforestation, plastic pollution, and unplanned construction are causing these problems.

Lack of quality service and training: People working in the tourism industry lack quality service and professional training, which can negatively affect the tourist experience.

Solutions:

• To develop and modernize the infrastructure of tourist centers.
• To promote tourism at the international level and to strengthen the tourism policy of the country.
• Provide adequate legislation and training to improve the safety and quality of services to tourists.
• Taking steps to conserve the environment and develop eco-friendly tourism.

Bangladesh Tourism Board can take various steps to attract foreign tourists, some of the main initiatives are:

The honorable Chief Advisor to the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, Nobel Laureate Dr. Mohammad Yunus should use the global recognition and popularity of the tourism industry of Bangladesh to carry out extensive campaigns, in this case effective steps should be taken.

Promotion and Marketing: Promotion and advertisement of tourist destinations in Bangladesh for foreign tourists. Specially on social media and online platforms, besides domestic mass media also needs to be promoted on a priority basis.

Special Events and Festivals: Organizing special festivals and events for foreign tourists, promoting the national festivals of Bangladesh more widely so that they can get familiar with the culture and traditions of Bangladesh.

Use of technology: Modern technology is being used to provide tourism services and information, such as mobile apps and websites.

Education and training: To organize training and workshops to enhance the skills of workers in the tourism sector and to attract educated unemployed people to participate more in the sector.

Cooperation: To increase communication and cooperation with domestic foreign tourism organizations and international organizations, so as to expand the tourism business.

Creating New Entrepreneurs: A large educated population of Bangladesh is on the brink of destruction under the scourge of unemployment. In addition, there are huge obstacles in creating new businesses or enterprises. Encouraging the new generation to engage in tourism services by removing all obstacles and providing financial support to them by encouraging them to create new entrepreneurs in this sector.

Finally, the immense natural beauty, history and culture of Bangladesh is a special attraction for foreign tourists.

Our tourism industry will move forward with the participation of the new generation in building a new and prosperous Bangladesh.

Writer, Khaled Saifullah Mahmud
Tourism Development Activist and Media Personality