How Sustainable Tourism Can Transform the Future of Bangladesh

Sustainable tourism is a form of tourism that focuses on meeting the needs of travelers while protecting natural resources, cultural heritage, and local communities for future generations. It ensures tourism growth without harming the environment or disrupting social balance. This sector is rapidly growing worldwide as people seek eco-friendly and responsible travel experiences. For Bangladesh, sustainable tourism holds immense potential to boost the economy, create jobs, and preserve its unique natural beauty and heritage while promoting global recognition.

World Tourism Day is observed every year on September 27 to raise awareness about the social, cultural, political, and economic value of tourism across the globe. Since its inception in 1980, it has been celebrated in all member countries under the supervision of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), a specialized agency of the United Nations headquartered in Madrid, Spain. The day serves as a platform to promote cooperation among nations, encourage cultural exchange, and highlight the positive contributions of tourism to global development. It also encourages countries to focus on sustainable practices that protect the environment while benefiting local communities and economies.

The theme of World Tourism Day 2025 is “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation.” This theme emphasizes the urgent need to invest in sustainable tourism infrastructure and development projects. It calls for a balanced approach where tourism creates economic opportunities while safeguarding the environment and cultural heritage. In Bangladesh, this year’s observance holds added significance as the ruling Advisory Council has decided to officially recognize September 27 as a ‘B’ category day, upgrading its status from ‘C’ category day, which reflects a higher level of national priority. This move highlights the growing importance of tourism as a vital sector in Bangladesh’s economy and future plans.

Globally, tourism plays a vital role in driving economic growth and fostering international cooperation. According to the World Tourism Organization’s 2023 report, Bangladesh ranked 109th out of 119 economies, which placed it at the bottom among Asia-Pacific countries. This low ranking clearly demonstrates the need for Bangladesh to improve its tourism policies, infrastructure, and marketing efforts to compete on the world stage. Although official rankings for 2024 and 2025 are yet to be released, the World Tourism Barometer predicts a 5% increase in international tourist arrivals worldwide in 2025, indicating a positive global trend that Bangladesh can take advantage of by making necessary improvements.

Bangladesh is a country blessed with immense natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and numerous historical landmarks, all of which have the potential to make it a popular tourist destination. Some of the most notable natural attractions include Cox’s Bazar, the world’s longest natural sandy sea beach and a top destination for domestic and foreign travelers, and the Sundarbans, the largest mangrove forest in the world and home to the iconic Royal Bengal Tiger. Other popular natural sites include Sajek Valley, known for its mountains and clouds, St. Martin’s Island, the only coral island in Bangladesh, Kuakata Beach, where both sunrise and sunset can be viewed, Jaflong and Bichanakandi in Sylhet, and Tanguar Haor in Sunamganj, which are celebrated for their unique beauty and biodiversity.

In addition to its natural wonders, Bangladesh has a wealth of cultural and historical landmarks that reflect its rich heritage. Sompur Mahavihar in Paharpur, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most important ancient Buddhist monasteries in South Asia. The Shat Gombuj Mosque in Bagerhat stands as a stunning example of historical Islamic architecture. Other notable sites include Ahsan Manzil, the Pink Palace in Dhaka, Lalbagh Fort, a Mughal-era fortress and Panam Nagar in Narayanganj, an abandoned colonial town showcasing the architectural styles of a bygone era. These attractions have great potential to draw visitors from across the world if promoted effectively.

Travel and tourism hold deep importance in personal, social, and national life. Travel opens doors to new experiences, cultures, and perspectives, broadening the minds of individuals and promoting global understanding. It enriches lives by fostering creativity, building confidence, and enhancing communication skills. For individuals, traveling provides opportunities to step out of comfort zones, explore new places, and develop independence. On a broader scale, tourism brings economic growth by creating jobs, supporting local businesses, and generating foreign currency. It also strengthens communities by encouraging the preservation of cultural heritage and environmental resources, as these assets become sources of pride and income.

While tourism has numerous benefits, Bangladesh faces several challenges that hinder the sector’s growth. A lack of comprehensive planning has resulted in scattered and ineffective initiatives. Poor infrastructure, including unreliable transportation and inadequate accommodation, creates a negative experience for visitors. Safety concerns, including political instability and inconsistent hospitality standards, further discourage foreign tourists. Moreover, the country struggles with poor global marketing and promotion, leaving many international travelers unaware of Bangladesh’s rich offerings. Visa complications and irregularities at Bangladeshi embassies also create barriers for potential visitors. These factors collectively limit Bangladesh’s ability to compete in the global tourism market.

Another challenge comes from the unplanned travel habits of many Bangladeshis. A significant number of citizens travel abroad on temporary visit visas, primarily to developed countries. These trips are often taken not for tourism purposes but to secure visa stamps and seals in passports, with the hope of staying illegally abroad. Such practices harm the country’s reputation and reduce the chances of obtaining visas in the future. Many visa seekers fail to plan properly, sometimes visiting several countries without gaining meaningful experiences. This behavior not only wastes personal and national resources but also contributes to a negative global image for Bangladeshi travelers. The tourism industry in Bangladesh also suffers due to a lack of proper policies and regulations. Political and social instability creates insecurity for both domestic and international tourists. Environmental mismanagement, such as pollution and overcrowding at popular sites, diminishes the appeal of tourist destinations. Additionally, there is limited coordination among different ministries and organizations, which leads to inefficiency and delays in implementing development projects. Without an integrated and strategic approach, the sector remains fragmented and unable to achieve its full potential, despite the country’s abundant natural and cultural resources.

To overcome these challenges, Bangladesh must adopt a long-term, sustainable strategy for tourism development. This includes investing in modern infrastructure that meets international standards, such as eco-friendly hotels, improved transportation systems, and reliable emergency services. Training programs for hospitality workers, tour guides, and tourism officials are essential to ensure high-quality service. A strong global marketing campaign, especially through digital platforms, can significantly boost the country’s visibility. Simplifying visa processes and introducing e-visas will make visiting Bangladesh easier for foreign tourists. These measures, combined with effective safety protocols, can help build trust and attract more visitors.

The government has a vital role to play in leading these initiatives. Policy-makers must focus on balancing economic growth with environmental conservation. This can be achieved through clear regulations that prevent overexploitation of natural resources and protect cultural heritage. Partnerships with private investors and international organizations can bring in funding and expertise for large-scale projects. Recognizing World Tourism Day as a ‘B’ category day is a symbolic but important step toward giving tourism the attention it deserves. However, practical action must follow this recognition to create real change in the industry.

The future of tourism in Bangladesh holds significant potential. With global tourism expected to grow by 5% in 2025, the country has a timely opportunity to position itself as a key player in the international tourism market. By addressing weaknesses and adopting innovative strategies such as digital marketing and eco-tourism, Bangladesh can improve its global ranking and attract more visitors. Tourism is not just an industry, it is a bridge between cultures, a driver of economic progress, and a source of national pride. By investing in tourism today, Bangladesh can build a stronger, more prosperous future for generations to come.

 
MD. Noor Hamza Peash is a
legal researcher and a
freelance columnist.