The New Nation - Internet Edition

APART from the traditional tourist destinations some new countries are seen these days as being visited by tourists in large numbers. This is because they have tourist attractions but the same were not known to tourists until recently. Bangladesh is one such country which is seen as highly prospective for tourism. It has natural attractions like the unpolluted longest sea beach in the world, the world's biggest mangrove forest and its beautiful coral islands. It also has centuries old archaeological sites counted as among the world's heritage sites by UNESCO.

Costs of living are comparatively cheaper in Bangladesh for tourists who can also depend on reasonably comfortable accommodations. Depending on these plus points and many others, prospects are good for Bangladesh to flourish as a point of attraction for natural, recreational, historical and cultural tourism. The public and the private sectors need to get their acts together to develop the sector. These aspects of tourism in Bangladesh were discussed in a seminar that was organised recently in Dhaka.

More infrastructures such as roads, telecommunication networks, airports and helipads, near tourist attractions should be developed on a priority basis. Relying on these, the private sector will then be enthused to set up various facilities to attract tourists. The number of the local tourists is also likely to much increase from such developmental and expansion activities. The spin-offs from tourism are multi-faceted. It creates direct and indirect employment in service industries and in the growth of these industries. Spendings by foreign tourists can significantly contribute to the country's foreign currency reserve. The development of tourism is expected to lead to develop some economic activities linked to the same. Local artifacts that attract foreigners would find an expanded market and develop.