Sustainable Tourism Development in Bangladesh: Problems and Prospects
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Introduction
Bangladesh is a vacationland and it has many facets for local and foreign tourist. Her touristattractions 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 basedtourism and eco-tourism is quite evident. In Bangladesh, prospective areas are present, minimum infra-structural 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 generalpeople, 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 ofthe tourism industry in Bangladesh. Presently, specialized formal education like bachelor’s degree, under graduate degree or postgraduate degrees are not available in universities ofBangladesh on tourism. No specialized training program is being found to develop skilledpersonnel 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 willfacilitate 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 world’s largest and rapid growing industry of modern business world. It has a vitalinfluence 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 culturalheritage. Tourism can add value in the Bangladeshi economy if proper marketing plan and strategy can be built andimplemented for this purpose. However, this industry fails to reach its destination due to adequate marketingpractices. 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 ‘tourismpolicy’ immediately for the development of this industry. Both public and private level investment is required in thetourism 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 ofthe study are-
To study the characteristics of sustainable tourism;
To studyprinciples 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 Bangladeshand even on the overall marketing aspects is not adequate, the study was done to usedsecondary data in this study. To collect the secondary data, annual reports of BPC, related journals, periodicals, newspapers, BPC’s 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 simply-
"Tourism 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 socio-economic 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 TourismOrganization (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 minimizepollution, 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 world's 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 customerservice 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 theirlocal 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 forcommunity-based tourism. For sustainable progress in poverty eradication, the present time is suitable for considering the implementation of community-based tourism. Bangladesh is acountry of thousands of villages. Most of its heritage sites and international tourist spots arepositioned 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 fortourism. 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 one's nationality or community can become an important tool for developing the economy.
8. Community Association & Tourism:People sell their community's 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 community's 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 andprovides 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, properpolicy 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 eco-tourism. 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 foraggressive 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 ourcountry. These fairs are sellers' fairs in character from the perspective of Bangladeshbecause the foreign exhibitors or their counterparts in Bangladesh sell outbound tourpackages, and only a few offer domestic tour packages.
Sustainable Tourism Development in Bangladesh: Problems
The problems facing tourism and the development of a sustainabletourism sector in Bangladesh is diverse itsown touristic features, level of development, and national developmentpriorities 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:
InBangladesh, 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:
InBangladesh, the development of tourism is impeded by their lack of inherent natural, historical or cultural tourism resources. However,as mentioned earlier, though it isa 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 stilllagging behind in developing ones. Investment in service-orientedprojects, particularly tourism, in developing countries is oftenregarded as a high-risk task. Accordingly, though they may have anatural tourism potential, it is very difficult for Bangladesh to gain access to reasonable financing fortheir touristic projects even when they manage to tackle theproblems of project identification and planning.
8. Lack of consistent tourism strategies and policies:
In Bangladesh, there are still difficulties in getting integrated tourismpolicy-making due, in general, to policy conflicts between thegovernment departments and the tourism private agencies. This iscoupled 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.