With the lack of a proper system for exploration and management of tourist locations, Bangladesh's tourism industry is undergoing a serious crisis.
There is a dire need for concrete and modern ideation to realize the great potential of the industry as highlighted by speakers on April 19,2007. The occasion was the MoU signing ceremony of the Dhaka Sheraton Hotel with the Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh (TOAB) in the city, as reported by the news from The New Nation.
The chairman of the Parjatan Corporation pointed out the failure of the nation in wooing tourists due to its poor law and order situation and the lack of information available to tourists. There has also been a drastic fall in the number of tourist arrivals in the capital Dhaka due to most of them arriving from Bangkok and Hong Kong which were badly hit by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).
The private tour operators of the country revealed the postponement of plans by tourists owing to the SARS outbreak with an absence of any new contract for several weeks now. The small number of tourists currently visiting Dhaka is repeatedly making inquiries as to the SARS virus effect on Bangladesh prior to traveling.
Shaikh Altaf, Civil Aviation and Tourism Secretary, identified the tourism industry as having the maximum potential in the country. His suggestion was for all concerned parties to adopt a multi-sectoral approach to boost the industry growth. He felt that everything in the country that is beautiful and unique can be used to quickly lure massive foreign tourists, according to The New Nation news.
Nature has been generous in blessing Bangladesh. Its breathtaking natural beauty ha attracted many visitors from all over the world to make the journey to the land of Bengalis. In Maldives, the tourism industry generates the highest foreign currency. It accounts for 70% of the total foreign exchange in the country and 40% of the government revenue apart from contributing nearly 20% to the Gross Domestic Product.
A RNCOS research analyst is of the view that it is possible for Bangladesh to use tourism development as an integral tool for economic progress provided that necessary infrastructure is put in place. With the realization of tourism's multidimensional potential including balance of payments, economy diversification, revenue expansion and employment opportunities directly and indirectly, it makes perfect sense for Bangladesh to give it tourism industry top priority.
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