Introduction

Bangladesh is a vacationland and it has many facets for local and foreign
tourist. Her tourist attractions include archeological sites, historic mosques
and monuments, resorts, beaches, picnic spots, forest and wildlife.
Bangladesh is a river base country having attractive panoramic beauty.
There are hills, vales, deep and mangrove forests, rivers and the longest
beach in the world. In this country, the scope of nature based tourism,
research based tourism, culture based tourism and eco-tourism is quite
evident. In Bangladesh, prospective areas are present, minimum infrastructural arrangement is developing, role of government is now positive,
private and public organizations have come forward side by side to attract
the local and foreign tourists, researchers, dignitaries and foreign
delegates. Having all the minimum requirements, the tourism industry
could not develop adequately. The cracks of problem could not identify
accurately because of paucity of sufficient number of research and
investigations in our country. Out of different problems, the researchers
have concentrated their focus to human resource development aspect for
tourism sector in Bangladesh.
It is due to low literacy rate of general people, they cannot communicate
with the domestic and foreign tourists significantly. So, the tourists felt
discourage to visit repeatedly to the tourist spots. It is not possible to
increase literacy rate dramatically to develop communicative skill of mass

people. The researchers feel that a group of personnel could be developed

on an emergency basis to face the immense need of the tourism industry in
Bangladesh. Presently, specialized formal education like bachelors
degree, under graduate degree or postgraduate degrees are not available in
universities of Bangladesh on tourism. No specialized training program is
being found to develop skilled personnel in this regard. In some
International Hotels, Parjatan Corporation and at private level tourist
agencies very limited scope of on the job training has been developed.
This study will facilitate the decision makers to assess the intensity of the
problem and to plan accurate measures to train and develop a good
number of manpower for facing the current need readily. This could
benefit the tourism industry in multiple ways. This could change the
economic picture of tourism sector and contribute a big share in the GDP
of Bangladesh.
Tourism
Tourism has considered as the worlds largest and rapid growing industry
of modern business world. It has a vital influence on economic
development of a country. Bangladesh is a new tourist destination on the
map of the world. Bangladesh has enormous potential to develop
tourism because of its attractive natural beauty and rich cultural
heritage. Tourism can add value in the Bangladeshi economy if proper
marketing plan and strategy can be built and implemented for this purpose.

However, this industry fails to reach its destination due to adequate

marketing practices. This paper aims to show the present scenario of
tourism industry in Bangladesh, identifies the constraints, and suggests
remedial measures accordingly. The study also suggests that government
should formulate a tourism policy immediately for the development of
this industry. Both public and private level investment is required in the
tourism sector and regional cooperation can bring benefits for Bangladesh.
Objectives of the study
In the light of development of tourism industry in Bangladesh particularly,
the main objectives of the study areTo study the characteristics of sustainable tourism;
To study principles of sustainable touris
To study the guideline of sustainable tourism
To prescribe the developing tourism in Bangladesh: Some Strategic Views
To highlight problems facing sustainable tourism development in
Bangladesh
The Nature of the Study
Sustainable tourism can play the significant role for the development of
tourism industry. Tourism in Bangladesh is of no exception from this.
Lack of promotional activities is likely to affects the development of

tourism in any country as well as in Bangladesh. But the existing literature

on the sustainable tourism of Bangladesh tourism is very rare and even on
the literature covering the marketing aspects of tourism industry in
Bangladesh is very limited. As a result, the study is exploratory in nature.
It was assumed that sustainable tourism is a vital force for an effective
marketing strategy of tourism products and services. But Bangladesh is far
behind from the realization of the fact and due to that Bangladesh could
not take advantage of the full potential of the sector and which causes not
to develop the industry significantly and expectation which could be and
failed to earn sufficient amount of foreign currency. The present study on
the use of sustainable tourism development in Bangladesh tourism
industry is an attempt to highlight the issues related to promotion and put
forward some suggestions to what actual promotional measures are best
suited for attracting more tourists to Bangladesh and contribute more
positively to the economy of the country.
Methodology
The research has been conducted based on secondary data. As it was
mentioned earlier that the existing literature on the sustainable tourism
development of Bangladesh and even on the overall marketing aspects is
not adequate, the study was done to used secondary data in this study. To
collect the secondary data, annual reports of BPC, related journals,
periodicals, newspapers, BPCs web page etc. were consulted. In addition

to that for literature review and for other theoretical analysis different
journals, periodicals, textbooks, internet and other related materials were
consulted and used as references.
Sustainable tourism:
Sustainable tourism is simplyTourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social
and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry,
the environment and host communities
Sustainable tourism development guidelines and management practices
are applicable to all forms of tourism in all types of destinations, including
mass tourism and the various niche tourism segments. Sustainability
principles refer to the environmental, economic, and socio-cultural aspects
of tourism development, and a suitable balance must be established
between these three dimensions to guarantee its long-term sustainability.
1) Make optimal use of environmental resources that constitute a key
element in tourism development, maintaining essential ecological
processes and helping to conserve natural heritage and biodiversity.
2) Respect the socio-cultural authenticity of host communities, conserve
their built and living cultural heritage and traditional values, and
contribute to inter-cultural understanding and tolerance.

3) Ensure viable, long-term economic operations, providing socioeconomic benefits to all stakeholders that are fairly distributed, including
stable employment and income-earning opportunities and social services
to host communities, and contributing to poverty alleviation.
But there are challenges in continuing to holiday as we do dirty beaches,
harm to coral reefs and wildlife, displaced communities and overcrowded
monuments all detract from our holiday experiences. Sustainable tourism
is the answer. The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)
defines this as:
Tourism that meets the needs of present tourist and host regions while
protecting and enhancing opportunity for the future.
Characteristics of Sustainable Tourism
Sustainable Tourism seeks deeper involvement of locals, which provide
local people an opportunity and make their living. Above all, Sustainable
Tourism stresses pointedly upon integrity of the tourist places.
Characteristics of sustainable tourism are follows:
1. Informative: Travelers not only learn about the destination, they learn
how to help sustain its character while deepening their own travel
experiences. Residents learn that the ordinary and familiar may be of
interest and value to outsiders.

2. Supports integrity of place: Destination-savvy travelers seek out

businesses that emphasize the character of the locale in terms of
architecture, cuisine, heritage, aesthetics, and ecology. Tourism revenues
in turn raise local perceived value of those assets.
3. Benefits residents: Travel businesses do their best to employ and train
local people, buy local supplies, and use local services.
4. Conserves resources: Environmentally aware travelers favor businesses
that minimize pollution, waste, energy consumption, water usage,
landscaping chemicals, and unnecessary night time lighting.
5. Respects local culture and tradition: Foreign visitors learn about and
observe local etiquette, including using at least a few courtesy words in
the local language. Residents learn how to deal with foreign expectations
that may differ from their own.
6. Does not abuse its product: Stakeholders anticipate development
pressures and apply limits and management techniques to prevent the
loved to death syndrome. Businesses cooperate to sustain natural
habitats, heritage sites, scenic appeal, and local culture.
Developing Tourism in Bangladesh: Some Strategic Views
Tourism is the worlds largest industry. In Bangladesh the following things
should be examined carefully improve the tourism condition:

1. Ensuring Clean and Safe Environment: No one wants to visit a place

that is not clean or unhealthy. Tourism cannot survive without a clean and
safe environment. In a like manner, communities that do not provide
pleasant surroundings and a clean environment have a very hard time
attracting business.
2. Having friendly people and good service: Tourism requires friendly
people and good service. No matter what the attraction may be, a tourism
centre that lacks good customer service and friendly people will fail. In the
same way, communities that offer poor service not only do not attract
newcomers, but, in the end, have a difficult time holding on to their local
population, young people and businesses.
3. Good restaurants, hotels and recreational facilities: Tourism requires
good restaurants, hotels and recreational facilities. These are the same
factors that are essential to any community seeking economic
development.
4. Enhancing community-based tourism: Bangladesh can be an ideal
destination for community-based tourism. For sustainable progress in
poverty eradication, the present time is suitable for considering the
implementation of community-based tourism. Bangladesh is a country of
thousands of villages. Most of its heritage sites and international tourist
spots are positioned around villages. These are intended for education as
well as recreation.

5. Tourism campaigns on Special Attractions: Sometimes rare plants or

animal species are the main attraction, sometimes traditional food,
handicraft or historic buildings. A European example of well-developed
rural tourism is France. Camping and caravans are the most popular forms
of accommodation in rural areas, many of them on farms. Many farmers
have developed camping sites on their farms.
6. Enhancing community-based rural tourism: Bangladesh has huge
potential for tourism. The concept of community-based rural tourism and
its benefits are still unexplored. Now is the right time to think of rural
tourism development. Apart from rural tourism, all general attractions, like
archaeological sites, historical places and natural beaches are, more or
less, getting importance. Rural tourism can turn into a booming sector for
at least two reasons. First, through rural tourism, Bangladesh may rid itself
of poverty, and second, the infrastructure of far-off and rural places will be
developed. Community-based rural tourism is a must for the economic
development of Bangladesh.
7. Taking Enhancing community-based tourism as a must: The
government and community leaders may also want to take into account
that tourism adds prestige to a community. People like to live in a place
that others consider worthy of visiting. Such pride in ones nationality or
community can become an important tool for developing the economy.

8. Community Association & Tourism: People sell their communitys best

when there is agree at deal to see and do in it, when it is safe and secure,
and when customer service is not merely a motto but a way of life.
Community festivals, traditions, handicrafts, parks and natural settings all
add to the desirability of a locale and its ability to sell itself to potential
outside investors. The quality of life can also be reflected in a
communitys museums, concert halls, theatres and uniqueness.
9. Tourism focusing on emerging and minority communities: Tourism is
an important economic development tool for emerging and minority
communities around the world. Since tourism is based on the appreciation
of other cultures, tourism industries have been especially open to giving
disadvantaged groups around the world opportunities that have often been
denied to them by other economic sectors.
10. Employment Generation: Tourism requires a great deal of construction
work and provides large numbers of entry-level jobs. Tourists may infuse
additional money into the local economy through shopping. In nations
where manufacturing is not developed, the tourism industry can be an
essential method for reinvigorating local economies.
11. Infrastructure Development: Improving the infrastructure, human
resources, proper policy and concerns of government can easily hold the
industry back into the right track and thus Tourism can become the engine
of poverty alleviation and economic growth

12. Focus on innovations: Focus should be made on innovations like ecotourism. The number of eco-tourists in the world has been increasing by
more than ten percent a year. Initially, Bangladesh may set its target to
attract one million eco-tourists a year. To achieve that target, it will have to
chalk out a down-to-earth tourism marketing strategy and go
for aggressive marketing in countries, which produce most of the
outbound tourists.
13. Tourism Fairs: Nowadays different organizations often organize
tourism fairs in Bangladesh, in which mainly outbound tour packages are
sold. Sending tourists from Bangladesh to other countries cannot be
treated as the development of tourism in our country. These fairs are
sellers fairs in character from the perspective of Bangladesh because the
foreign exhibitors or their counterparts in Bangladesh sell outbound
tour packages, and only a few offer domestic tour packages.
Sustainable Tourism Development in Bangladesh: Problems
The problems facing tourism and the development of a sustainable
tourism sector in Bangladesh is diverse its own touristic features, level
of development, and national development priorities and policies.
1. Lack of knowledge and awareness:

In Bangladesh, there still is a fundamental lack of basic cognisance of the

economic importance of tourism as an industry and its positive impact as a
potential source of foreign exchange and employment.
2. Lack of quality service:
Quality of service needs to be improved. For the purpose, training at
different levels from top management down to door boys should be
initiated at national and regional levels. In this context, Thailand, the most
successful country in tourism within BIMSTEC, can take the lead.
3. Lack of training:
In Bangladesh, there is lack of training knowledge between tourist guides.
Training should also be provided to promote activities that are indirectly
linked to tourism, such as printing, dying and folk-arts. Special training for
women might be needed in many cases.
4. Lack of tourism-related infrastructures:
Bangladesh has the lack the sufficient infrastructures necessary for the
development of a successful tourism sector. Primary amongst these
are hotels and lodging services, transportation and communication,
safety and security and tourism information services. This makes it
difficult to provide the standards of facilities and services which tourists
require.
5. Lack of inherent tourism potential:

In Bangladesh, the development of tourism is impeded by their lack of

inherent natural, historical or cultural tourism resources. However, as
mentioned earlier, though it is a crucial factor, tourism heritage assets
alone cannot make a successful tourism industry.
6. Lack of technical know-how and weak promotional activity:
Even when that fundamental awareness is there, in many cases there
is generally a lack of tourism knowledge and professionals. Tourism,
as a modern industry, is recent in the world. It is also a new and
unfamiliar activity in Bangladesh. Another related problem is the absent
or weak publicity promotion and mass media exposure due, in many
cases, to the limited technological services available.
7. Lack of tourism investments:
While investment in services is a well-established economic activity in
the developed countries, it is still lagging behind in developing ones.
Investment

in

service-oriented projects,

developing

countries

is

particularly

often regarded

as

tourism,

high-risk

in

task.

Accordingly, though they may have a natural tourism potential, it is

very difficult for Bangladesh to gain access to reasonable financing for
their touristic projects even when they manage to tackle the
problems of project identification and planning.
8. Lack of consistent tourism strategies and policies:

In Bangladesh, there are still difficulties in getting integrated tourism

policy-making due, in general, to policy conflicts between the
government departments and the tourism private agencies. This is
coupled in many cases with the lack of effective administration,
regulation and institutional frameworks of touristic activity.
9. Lack of tourism diversification:
For many years, international tourism has been characterised by its
concentration in coastal or watercourse areas, and in summer for rest,
relaxation and leisure. However, modern touristic activity has shown a
growing tendency towards diversification and change. This makes it
difficult for Bangladesh, including those with a relatively developed
tourism sector, to keep pace with the rapidly changing and complex
requirements of tourists. In a highly competitive international tourism
market, and considering the emergence of new touristic destinations,
improvement

of

the conditions

that

foster

modern

tourism

development is not an easy process.

10. Lack of tourism safety:
The safety of tourists is among the primary factors for any successful
tourism industry and should, thus, be one of the basic objectives of
tourism planning and provisions. Safety- related tourism problems,
whether real or perceived, exert a negative impact on the reputation of
host countries. In this regard, negative perceptions appear to play a

detrimental role in the prospects of tourism in Bangladesh. Even such

factors as rumors may cause great damage to complete tourist seasons.
Strategic Policy for Sustainable Tourism Development
1. Draft plan of action for sustainable tourism development in Bangladesh
To meet the various requirements for sustainable tourism development, a
number of issues need to be addressed and specific actions need to be
taken at the national and regional levels. Attention also needs to be given
to the various modalities for implementation of those actions. Attention
also needs to be given to the development of strategies for the
implementation of the action plan within a specified time-frame and the
mobilization of resources.
2. Requirements for sustainable tourism development
Human beings are at the centre of concerns for sustainable tourism
development. In order for tourism development to provide benefits to
people in host countries and satisfaction to the tourists visiting those
countries, the positive contribution of the tourism sector needs to be
sustained and negative effects minimized or eliminated. This requires that
all people involved in the tourism industry have foresight, commitment
and the tools to plan and manage in a way that meets present needs
without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own
needs.

While tourism is an economic activity largely carried out by the private

sector in most countries, national governments make policies and plans for
tourism development in terms of national economic objectives. These
objectives aim at earning foreign exchange, creating employment,
attracting investment and ensuring more equitable and more widespread
distribution of income. Sustainable tourism development, on the other
hand, involves almost all aspects of life, and this means that the tourism
industry must be viewed as an integrated whole with an impact on not just
the economy, but also society, culture and the physical environment. This
requires consideration of what tourism does to the environment and the
quality of life, and how it affects the needs of local people.
The tourism industry is characterized by a range of various interests held
by a number of different stakeholders. In order for the various groups to
resolve differences or conflicts, governments must take the lead in
fostering cooperation and collaboration. This can be done by ensuring that
the integrated, sustainable features of the industry are kept in mind as all
stakeholders express their views and interests, and that decisions are made
accordingly.
Coordination, management and planning by government agencies are
prerequisites for creating the modalities to sustain tourism development
and ensure that stakeholders keep in view their collective interests.

Sustainable tourism development requires direct attention and explicit

statements with regard to policies and future plans.
3. Issues to be addressed
The recommendations of various meetings, seminars and workshops,
including the Intergovernmental Meeting on Tourism Development, have
shown that there is considerable scope for strengthening national
capabilities and promoting regional cooperation in achieving sustainable
tourism development.
There is a need for a clear mandate from the government to facilitate
appropriate roles for the various stakeholders. There is also a need for
integrating and coordinating tourism policy-making and planning with the
full range of other government agencies, such as those involved in
infrastructure, human resources development, environmental management,
immigration, border-crossing formalities and social development at the
community level.
Both substantive and procedural policy issues which influence the strength
of national capabilities were considered at the Intergovernmental Meeting
on Tourism Development. These policy issues serve as the parameters for
the present draft plan of action. Indicated below are some of the major
policy issues which need attention.
4. Policy-making

Tourism policy: The tourism policy of a country provides the most explicit
indication

of the

governmental

approach

to

sustainable

tourism

development and the role that all stakeholders in the tourism industry need
to play. As part of tourism policy, organizations can be set up which are
able to set objectives, formulate plans and implement programmes.
Information: Policy makers also need reliable information and goodquality data on a timely basis in order to appreciate the complex and longterm interactions that tourism has to maintain with the rest of the
economy. If information or data are lacking, then the importance of the
contribution of tourism to sustainable socio-economic development tends
to be overlooked. In our country, the national tourism organizations do not
receive enough resources, and their capabilities therefore remain limited.
5. Planning
Planning has both policy and operational elements which form part of the
process by which the government decides on objectives, sets out the
means for achieving the objectives and sets priorities. Policy planning
involves the long-term outline of general goals, objectives and directions
for sustainable tourism development. Operational planning covers the
strategies and procedures to be implemented in order to carry out the
policy. Integrated planning also requires reliable and timely information in
order to highlight clearly the links between national economic
development and the tourism sector.

Development of a tourism master plan and introduction of integrated

tourism planning are appropriate approaches for sustainable tourism
development, because all aspects can be covered in a comprehensive way,
including the social, cultural, economic and environmental aspects. A
master plan and integrated tourism planning can indicate that the tourism
sector is a major part of the national economy and that the planning
process will be ongoing and action-oriented in ways that facilitate
implementation.
6. Managing
Managing sustainable tourism development involves leading, coordinating
and controlling in order to bring together all of the resources that will
contribute to formulating and implementing the national tourism policy.
Administrative issues are also involved as they relate to setting up the
structure of a national tourism organization and defining its functions and
responsibilities.
Leading the development may involve setting up councils or committees
at the highest levels of government to underscore the commitment, and
being a catalyst for sustainable tourism development. Coordinating may
require working with the various stakeholders from the national level to
the local level in order to set priorities and create consensus for action.
Controlling may include establishing mechanisms, laws and regulations
that ensure coherent inter-sectoral coordination within the government and

that will promote broader participation and spread benefits more widely to
sustain tourism development.
Management can also become more effective if supported by systematic,
reliable information. Such information can also play a role leading to
greater awareness of the opportunities and benefits that could be derived
from cooperation and sharing among countries at the regional and subregional levels.
7. Private sector participation
In most Asian and Pacific countries and areas, the private sector is
recognized as a major stakeholder since it is largely responsible for
providing tourism services. So Bangladesh has to encourage private sector
for this potential sector. One of the most important issues has been how to
attract greater private sector participation, including development
of partnership between the public and private sectors.
8. Proposals for action
Under the overall framework of strengthening national capabilities and
promoting regional cooperation in sustainable tourism development, the
plan proposes action at the national level and supporting action at the
regional level.
In this context, six theme areas have been identified in which specific
action is required. The theme areas are: (a) human resources development

in the tourism sector; (b) the economic impact of tourism; (c)

environmental management of tourism;(d) infrastructure development and
investment for the tourism sector; (e) facilitation of travel; and (f) regional
and sub-regional cooperation in tourism development. Some of the action
required in each theme area is indicated below.
A. Human resources development in the tourism sector
Bangladesh faces the general problem of lacking strategies and policies for
human resources development for tourism. The need to develop the
required human resources for the tourism industry has become imperative
as a result of the rapid growth of tourism. Some of the specific problems
which need to be addressed include:(a) the quantity and quality of human
resources which are related to the labor-intensive nature of the industry
and the need for a high standard of specialized skills in cross-cultural
working environments;(b) the shortage of tourism training infrastructure
and qualified trainers in many countries;(c) the lack of national legislation
and guidelines to improve the working conditions in the tourism industry.
B. Economic impact of tourism
The net contribution of tourism to the economy is often not known,
beyond a general awareness of the economic benefits, with the result that
effective and appropriate policies cannot be made. To overcome this
problem, reliable, systematic research on the economic impact of tourism
is needed. A realistic assessment of the economic impact can help to make

integrated planning easier, strengthen the links between national economic

policy-making and sustainable tourism development and enable better
understanding of how to enhance the economic benefits from tourism.
Countries could also learn how to enhance the economic benefits from
tourism by studying each others experience.
C. Environmental management of tourism
The problems related to the environmental management of tourism
development arise from the complex relationship between development
and its impact on the environment.
The problems of adverse impacts could be tackled through effective
planning and coordination of action, enforcement of legislation and
governance. Problems with legislation relate to the enforcement of laws,
the lack of human resources trained to monitor and enforce the laws to
understand that compliance with the law provides long-term benefits that
sustain tourism.
D. Infrastructure development and investment for the tourism sector
There is a close and dynamic relationship between infrastructure
development and sustainable tourism development, because inadequate
infrastructure is one of the most serious constraints on future tourism
development. To overcome constraints and problems, an integrated
planning approach and formulation of master plans should be encouraged.

The government should create an environment conducive to private sector

investment and provide adequate incentives to that end. In addition,
infrastructure requirements for tourism development should be properly
integrated with the full range of a countrys infrastructure development
and investment requirements.
To this end, the following action could be taken:
E. Facilitation of travel
A wide range of travel facilitation problems could impede sustainable
tourism development. These problems may include lack of accessibility by
air, road, rail and water transport; inefficient policies and procedures for
visas, customs and currency; possible threats to the health and safety of
tourists; the lack of information services for tourists; a negative image if
there is overpricing; shortage of trained people in the government and the
tourism industry; and the complex nature of border formalities and
customs regulations. Governments have a direct role to play in making
policies, rules and regulations and providing infrastructure affecting these
factors.
F. Regional and sub-regional cooperation in tourism development
Countries and areas in the region, and different sub-regions individually,
may have limited accessibility, lack resources and/or capabilities or have
inadequate arrangements for expanding tourism. Regional and sub

regional cooperation could help governments and the tourism industry in

addressing many problems more effectively by sharing information,
facilities, experience and expertise.
G. Modalities
The national action and supporting regional action enumerated above
provide a clear guide to the specific responses that are part of the action
plan. One or more modalities may facilitate the achievement of each
action. Governments and regional organizations are encouraged to be
innovative and imaginative in preparing approaches which make use
of national and regional resources.
H. National modalities
A number of modalities are listed below which could enable
implementation of the proposed national action.
(a) Policy coordination committee for sustainable tourism development
(b) Public/private sector consultative committees
(c) Facilitation committees
(d) Interdisciplinary teams
(e) Sustainable development zones
(f) Demonstration projects for sustainable tourism development

I. Regional modalities
A number of modalities can be used at the regional level to play a
supportive role or serve as catalyst for the process of sustainable tourism
development.
(a) Sharing of information, research and data
(b) Comparative studies in sustainable tourism development
(c) Regional and sub regional cooperation
J. Implementation, time-frame and monitoring
Coordination and cooperation are the crucial factors for effective
implementation of policies, plans and programmes to promote sustainable
tourism development at the national level. Such coordination and
cooperation are also necessary among international, regional and sub
regional organizations and agencies which provide assistance to countries,
both within and outside the United Nations system.
K. Strategies for resource mobilization
The scale and coverage of the action plan would start with a thorough
examination of current practices. Such an examination would help in the
implementation of far-reaching proposals for action designed to strengthen
national capacity for sustaining tourism development. In this connection,
the tourism sector could thus play a more effective role in national

development. The potential benefits from the action designed to achieve

sustainable tourism development would justify the resources needed to
achieve a new type of socio-economic development.
Recommendations
1. Plan to make a new tourism policy, which should be in tune with the
new national economic, social, environmental policies and trends. The
new policy should recognise the roles of both the public sector and the
private sector in the development of tourism.
2. The support for women to become self-employed through tourismrelated activities should be linked with micro-credit programs.
3. Loans to womens initiatives should be included as a means of creating
opportunities for the industry to buy and source locally, thus maximizing
the benefits for local communities.
4. Training should also be provided to promote activities that are indirectly
linked to tourism, such as printing, dying and folk-arts.
5. Development of the handicraft industry should form an important part
of strategic planning for community participation in tourism, especially
the participation of women.
6. The tourism industry and tourism boards should abolish marketing
strategies using womens stereotypical images as part of the product.

7. Employers should review their standards and criteria for employing

women and men, and their policies to protect women from sexual
objectification and sexual harassment by customers.
8. The development of tourist facilities should be taken up in a planned
manner at government and non-government levels.
9. Steps should be taken to improve domestic tourism. This has increased
during the last one decade. But there are no statistics on its growth.
10. Parjatan Corporation and private tour operators should have field
offices outside the country.
11. Tourism should be integrated with all the national events, either
cultural or religious.
12. E-tourism is one of the fastest-growing e-commerce sectors. It also
increases hardware and software purchases. E-tourism is also important
for a developing country like Bangladesh, because it could generate
employment and foreign currency earnings. Parjatan Corporation and the
private tour operators should take it up seriously.
13. A National Responsible Tourism Award should be initiated
immediately for those who make positive contributions to conservation
and the economies of local communities while minimizing the negative
impacts of tourism.

14. Tourism is a publicity dependent industry. Bangladesh Parjatan

Corporation and the TOAB Should prepare more dependable and
attractive publicity items, including tour itinerary, for distribution.
15. The tourism industry in the country should have an effective marketing
policy.
16. Human resource development for tourism through formal and informal
education, training and exchange visits is of utmost importance for most of
the BIMSTEC countries. The ministries of Tourism and National Tourism
Organizations of the BIMSTEC countries need to be strengthened.
17. Quality of service needs to be improved.
18. Governments, local governments, employers, trade unions and
community groups should jointly create community based institutions and
services to help women and men to cope with the double burden of family
and household work as well as work outside the home to generate income,
such as child care facilities, which, in turn, can create jobs. The industry
can look into opening child-care facilities in tourist resorts for the children
of the employees.
Conclusion
The significance of tourism is viewed from many angles like economic,
social, cultural, political, etc. Tourism is now the fastest growing and
single largest industry in the world. The industry has attained the

impressive growth in the world-wide in terms of tourist arrivals and

foreign exchange earnings which has led the ever increasing competition
among the destination countries and gained the top priority in most of the
destination countries. Every destination country is trying to attract more
tourists by drawing the attention and growing the interest among the
potential tourists through adopting effective marketing strategies.
Promotion is an important element of marketing mix and plays a vital role
in developing marketing strategies. As such, the government, the tourism
traders in the country, and other concerned should take immediate
measures to develop this vital sector and enhance its contribution to its
socio-economic activities of the country. Its hould be noted that
development of tourism industry does not mean only an increase in
earning of foreign currency from this sector. Rather, the number of
foreign tourists that arrive to a particular country is taken as the yardstick
worldwide for measuring the development level of tourism Judged by any
standard. Therefore, it is essential to rightly recognize and explore the
potentials of this industry in Bangladesh immediately. We need to
establish domestic tourism which is socially and psychologically
acceptable,

environmentally

and

ecologically

sustainable,

and

economically viable. The benefits that are received from tourism should be
fairly distributed, and then only will tourism be participatory, and, thus,
the rights of local residents will be properly recognized, and tourism will
be responsible and sustainable. If all these development, promotional and

managerial strategies are undertaken and implemented in a an integrated

manner by different role playing agencies, tourism sector in Bangladesh
would definitely yield positive results in terms of exploitation of future
potentials, maximization of foreign currency earnings, employment
generation, and social and cultural development.
So, sustainable tourism development is essential to promote our tourism
industry to the worldwide.