Tourism Sector of Bangladesh

Tourism Sector Of Bangladesh
THESIS PAPER ON TOURISM OF BANGLADESH

Course: Advanced Composition (BUS-133)
M.H.School of Business
Presidency University

Prepared For: Shanaz Akhter Lecturer Department Of English

Prepaed By: 1. Toukir Ahmed ID #101 209 025

2. Md. Shakil Miah ID # 102 141 025

5th Deceember 2011

Acknowledgement

First of all we would like to thanks our honorable faculty Shanaz Akhter, Department Of English, Presidency University, for giving us such an opportunity to prepare the thesis paper on Tourism In Bangladesh for the course BUS 133.
He has helped us a lot for making this report correctly and he is very helpful the entire semester and we found him available whenever we need his help.
Now I would also like to thank my beloved group members of Toukir Ahmed, Shakil Miah,, for providing me such information’s and helping me making this report properly.

Letter of Transmittal:
5th December 2011
Shanaz Akhter
Lecturer
Deportment Of English
Presidency University
Gulshan-2, Dhaka

Submission of the Thesis paper on “Tourism of Bangladesh”

Dear Madam,

Here is the thesis paper which is due on 5th December 2011 as a requirement for completing the course on Advanced Composition (BUS-133)

We have completed the final report of thesis paper on Tourism in Bangladesh, which is now essential in our country. Now-a-days, the numbers of tourist are increasing and there is not much developed ideas or plan to promote the tourism sector of Bangladesh. So through this Thesis paper, we have tried to show the necessity of development of Bangladesh tourism and its usefulness and also we have showed how to set up this development process.

We thank for giving us an opportunity to work on this area. If you find any difficulty regarding understanding any part of the report, please feel free to contact the undersigned.

Regards

1. Toukir Ahmed ……………………………………..
2. Shakil Miah ………………………………………
3. Homayra Binte Wali …………………………………….
Introduction

A Land with potential for Tourism:

THE tourism sector of Bangladesh is pleading for attention. This is the country which has the largest mangrove forest in the world in Sundarbans, the beautiful hills in Rangamati, the exotic tea gardens in Sylhet, the wonderful sights and sounds surrounding the livelihood of the indigenous people in the Chittagong Hill Tracts and Bandarban, the centuries old mansions and villas belonging to the Maharajas of past civilizations, the brilliant natural scenery in Foy's Lake, and the longest natural beach in the whole planet in Cox's Bazaar. And this is just to name a few attractions. Bangladesh has tremendous potential for becoming a superb international tourist hotspot.

[pic]

Sundarbans Located about 320km, West of Dhaka. Here in the south, spread over an area of about 6000 sq. km. of delta swamps along the coastal belt of Khulna is the biggest mangrove forest, Sundarbans (beautiful forest) - the home of the Royal Bengal Tiger. These dense mangrove forests are criss-crossed by a network of rivers and creeks. One find here tides flowing in two directions in the same creek and often tigers swimming across a river or huge crocodiles basking in the sun. Other wildlife in this region is cheetahs, spotted deer, monkeys, pythons, wild bears and hyenas. [pic]

Kaptai

Kaptai is an upazila under Rangamati district. It is famous for hydro-electric project. A panoramic man-made lake called Kaptai Lake (680-sq. km.) in the midst of hills has added to its beauty. A pleasant and picturesque drive of 64 km. from Chittagong brings you to huge expanse of emerald and blue water ringed with tropical forest. Only 3 km. from Kaptai along Chittagong road, lays the ancient Chit Morong Buddhist temple having beautiful Buddhist statues. [pic] [pic]

Kuakata A rare scenic beauty spot on the southern most tip of Bangladesh in the district of Patuakhali. It has a wide sandy beach from where one can get the unique opportunity of seeing both the sunrise and sunsetting. It is located at a distance of 70 km. from the district headquarters of Patuakhali. [pic] Kuakata, locally known as Sagar Kannya (Daughter of the Sea) is a rare scenic beauty spot on the southernmost tip of Bangladesh. At Kuakata excellent combination of the picturesque natural beauty, sandy beach, blue sky, huge expanse of water of the Bay and evergreen forest in really eye-catching.Kuakata is one of the rarest places which has the unique beauty of offering the full view of the rising and setting of crimson sun in the water of the Bay of Bengal in a calm environment. Tamabil & Jaflong Situated amidst splendid panorama, Tamabil is a border outpost on Sylhet-Shilong road, about 55 km. away from Sylhet town. Beside enchanting views of the area one can also have a glimpse of the waterfall across the border from Tamabil. Jaflong is also a scenic spot nearby amidst tea gardens and rare beauty of rolling stones from hills. [pic] [pic] Mainamati An isolated low, dimpled range of hills, dotted -with more than 50 ancient Buddhist settlements of the 8th to 12th century A.D. known as Mainamati-Laimai range are extended through the centre of the district of Comilla. [pic] Cox's Bazar Located at a distance of 152 km. to the south of Chittagong, Cox's Bazar is the tourist capital of Bangladesh. Having the world's longest unbroken (120 km.) beach sloping gently down to the blue waters of the Bay of Bengal against the picturesque background of a chain of hill covered with deep green forests, Cox's Bazar is one of the most attractive tourist spots in the world. Miles of golden sands, towering cliffs surfing waves, rare conch shells, colorful pagodas, Buddhist temples and tribes, delightful seafood - these are specialties of Cox's Bazar.
Cox's Bazar is connected both by air and road from Dhaka and Chittagong. Visits to the fascinating picnic spot at Himchari, Teknaf, Buddhist temple at Ramu and nearby island of Sonadia, St. Martin and Mohaskhali are memorable experience of one's lifetime. [pic] Himchari : It is about 32 km. South of Cox's Bazar along the beach, a nice place for picnic and shooting. The famous "Broken Hills" and waterfalls here are rare sights. [pic] Inani : It is about 32 km. South of Cox's Bazar and just on the beach, with the sea to the west and a background of steep hills to the east. Inani casts a magic spell on those who step into that dreamland. It is only half an hour's drive from Cox's Bazar and an ideal place for Sea-bathing and picnic. [pic] Maheskhali : An island off the coast of Cox's Bazar. It has an area of 268 square kilometers. Through the centre of the island and along the eastern coast line rises a range of low hills, 300 feet high; but the coast to the west and north is a lowlying treat, fringed by mangrove jungle. In the hills on the coast is built the shrine of Adinath, dedicated to siva. By its side on the same hill is Buddhist Pagoda. [pic]

Ramu: This is a typical Buddhist village, about 16 km. from Cox's Bazar, on the main road to Chittagong. There are monasteries, khyangs and pagodas containing images of Buddha in gold, bronze and other metals inilaid with precious stones. [pic] Teknaf: Southernmost tip of Bangladesh, Teknaf situated on the Naaf River and just at the end of the hilly regions of the district. Mayanmar is on the opposite bank of Naaf River. Wild animals and birds are available but the most interesting thing is a journey on the river. Wide sandy beach in the backdrop of high hills with green forests is an enchanting scene never to be forgotten. [pic] Mahasthangarh Located at a distance of 18 km. to the north of Bogra town. Mahasthangarh is the oldest archaeological site of Bangladesh on the western bank of river Karotoa. The spectacular site is an imposing landmark in the area having a fortified long enclosure. Beyond the fortified area, other ancient ruins fan out within a semi-circle of about 8-km. radius. Several isolated mounds, the local names of which are Govinda Bhita Temple, Khodai Pathar Mound, Mankalir Kunda, Parasuramer Bedi, Jiyat Kunda etc. surround the fortified city. [pic]

Paharpur In Paharpur, a small village 5 km. west of Jamalganj railway station in the greater Rajshahi district, the remains of the most important and the largest known monastery south of the Himalayas has bee excavated. This 8th century A.D. archaeological find covers approximately an area of 27 acres of land. The entire establishment occupies a quadrangular court, measuring more than 900 ft. and from 12fh to 15ft. in height with elaborate gateway complex on the north. There are 45 cells on the north and 44 in each of other three sides with a total number of 177 rooms. The architecture of the pyramidal cruciform temple is profoundly influenced by those of South-East Asia, especially Myanmar and Java. It had taken its name from a high mound, which looked like pahar or hillock. A site museum built recently houses the representative coactions of objects recovered from the area. The excavated findings have also been preserved at the Veranda Research museum at Rajshahi. The antiquities of the museum include terracotta plaques, images of different gods and goddesses, potteries, coins, inscriptions, ornamental bricks and other minor clay objects. It has been declared as a World Heritage site by UNESCO. [pic]

Current Situation of Our Tourism:

Due to the under-developed sector of tourism, Bangladesh is missing out on immense amounts of revenue every year. Maybe comparing our tourism sector with that of India, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Hong Kong would be unfair, but what about Nepal or the Maldives? Investment into developing and promoting tourism in these South Asian countries has reaped fantastic results.

Over the years, the tourism sector in Bangladesh has not, comparatively, made enough progress. The reason is the lack of relevant infrastructure supporting the development and sustenance of tourism in Bangladesh. But, compared to the past ten years, money invested for the development of tourism by the government and private companies has been at an all time high in the recent years. Statistics prove the beneficial outcome.

When we search "lonelyplanet.com," Cox's Bazaar is mentioned, and there are some rather interesting comments worth mentioning. The first of which states: "Discover how special this country is before the tourist hordes catch on," and something like: "Beware of political instability." Both the comments are interesting because they are true, and I cannot disagree completely with the people responsible for writing them.

Barrier of Development of Tourism Sector in Bangladesh:

The biggest barrier to a positive development of the Bangladeshi tourism sector is the lack of a consistent tourism vision based on cooperation, knowledge and sustainability.

Bangladeshi tourism has so much potential – if the right actions are taken:

The presence of tourism in any destination always brings with it environmental and socio-cultural as well as economic impacts. This is why tourism internationally is often praised as an effective development tool, especially in rural areas and the developing world. A sustainable tourism development would no doubt have a major positive impact in Bangladesh.
Since the 1990s tourism has been a small but rapidly growing sector of the national economy. Nevertheless, Bangladesh is still one of the countries in the South Asian region with the least arrivals and the lowest revenue earned from the tourism industry. Sustainable tourism initiatives exist and demand is increasing, but sustainable tourism management is not widespread in the sector.
In 2008 World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), an international business leader forum, predicted that the Bangladeshi contribution from national Travel & Tourism to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) will stay at 4% from 2009 to 2019. I 2009 these 4 percentages is expected to account for 244, 8 billion Taka, which by 2019 will increase to 711, 3 billion Taka. The Real GDP growth for the Bangladeshi Travel & Tourism Economy is hereby expected to be 3.5% in 2009 and increase to average 6.0% per annum over the next 10 years.
The low national travel and tourism investment is one obvious development obstacles. According the same WTTC report the Bangladeshi travel and tourism capital investment out of total investment 2009-2019 will drop from 4, 1% to 3, 9%. In 2009 this same period average South Asian investment is 7, 7%, with no ten year forecast data available. Average figures for world travel and tourism investment capital out of total investment is 9, 4% in 2009 and 9, 3% in 2019.
Despite poor forecasts and multiple sector obstacles, several international players have highlighted Bangladesh as a desired tourism destination during the last couple of years. In terms of positive national tourism branding this kind of publicity is not even possible to buy for money.
Bangladesh is not the country of disappointment as portrayed in ‘Brick Lane’ or by the international media, nor is it merely the poorly endowed cousin of India. Instead Bangladesh is a revelation that actually leaves India looking a little worse for a wear. Any visitor who ventures here will return home with stories so improbable that claiming you have a pet unicorn is likely to be met with fewer disbelieving shakes of the head.’
Bangladesh has a reputation for being poor and beset by flooding, but this ‘republic of rivers’ rewards those willing to look beyond the headlines. Leave luxuries behind and embark on the richest of travel experiences among some of the sub-continent’s friendliest people.
For all of its forests, temples, mosques, islands and beaches, the highlight of Bangladesh is Bangladesh.
The online worldwide New7Wonders of Nature campaign started in 2007 with more than 440 candidate locations from 220 countries. Represented Bangladeshi locations were Sundarbans, a mangrove forest already nominated a UNESCO heritage site, and Cox’s Bazar beach. By global voting and expert selection the candidates have been selected Sundarban as in the top Ten.

WTTC on Bangladeshi Tourism development 2010-2020:

Travel & Tourism’s currently one of the great future contribution to economic activity and employment. Timeliness is one of the main strengths. In the critical post-crisis recovery phase currently underway, it can inform and help drive urgent policy-making and investment decisions.
Our research again produced the economic impact of Travel & Tourism. It measures spending on Travel & Tourism by households, businesses, governments, overnight and same-day visitors, in order to capture fully the economic contribution of both domestic and international tourism, thereby quantifying Travel & Tourism’s contribution to gross domestic product (GDP) and employment.
Travel & Tourism activity was hit hard by the credit and housing market collapses experienced in many countries, with households cutting back on leisure travel and corporations reducing business travel budgets. The impact on Travel & Tourism investment was also significant. Yet even though Travel & Tourism activity was so depressed, it still employed over 235 million people across the world last year, generating 9.4% of global GDP.
Although there are signs that the global economy has moved into a recovery phase, we are expecting the pick-up in developed economies – a key source of Travel & Tourism Demand in the short term – to be gradual, with both corporations and households continuing to reconsider travel plans and to limit expenditure.
Nevertheless, despite the current blip in growth trends, our research confirms that prospects for the longer term remain positive. Over the next ten years, Travel & Tourism will continue to grow in importance as one of the world’s highest-priority sectors and employers.
Emerging economies will of course be the main engines of our forecast growth, both in terms of domestic and international Travel & Tourism. But an increasing focus on leisure in developed economies should stimulate travel demand, even in mature markets, boosted by industry innovation in creating new sustainable products and services.

Key facts at a glance on Bangladeshi tourism development 2010-2020:
Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
The contribution of Travel & Tourism to Gross Domestic Product is expected to rise from 3.9% (BDT265.9bn or US$3,786.4mn) in 2010 to 4.1% (BDT788.4bn or US$8,781.7mn) by 2020.
Employment
The contribution of the Travel & Tourism economy to employment is expected to rise from 2,373,000 jobs in 2010, 3.1% of total employment or 1 in every 32.3 jobs to 3,114,000 jobs, 3.2% of total employment or 1 in every 31.1 jobs by 2020.
Growth
Real GDP growth for Travel & Tourism economy is expected to be 1.7% in 2010 and to average 6.4% per annum over the coming 10 years.
Visitor Exports
Export earnings from international visitors and tourism goods are expected to generate .5% of total exports (BDT6.0bn or US$85.8mn) in 2010, growing (nominal terms) to BDT20.5bn or US$228.5mn (.5%) of total in 2020.
Investment
Travel & Tourism investment is estimated at BDT64.0bn, US$911.9mn or 3.7% of total investment in 2010. By 2020, this should reach BDT190.7bn, US$2,124.5mn or 3.8% of total investment.

Future Initiative for Promoting Tourism in Bangladesh:
We should let the world know about Bangladesh Beauty. For that we will do following things

• We will go for the advertisement on the airlines sector. So that the world passenger can get our massage easily.

• We will go for the advertisement on the airport. So that international people might get idea about what Bangladesh Beauty.

• We will go for the advertisement on tourist magazine. So we can communicate our original potential customer. Who really love to tour.

• Also we will go for the social networking site like Facebook, twitter etc

• We will make alliance with European club football. So that European Customers can easily know about Bangladesh.

As this is the case of tourism so there will be some visa or entry process for the tourist. So we are taking following steps:

• We will provide “Honorable Visa” for those countries that are under European Union, Australia, Canada and USA. So that they can come easily in Bangladesh. As USA, Canada, UK following same strategy to increase their tourism sector.

• We will target highly populated country like china and India for increasing number of tourist in Bangladesh..

• We will also make some infrastructure for lifting up the tourism of Nepal. Like Airport and high way road as well as Rail lines. If these infrastructures can be developed then the regional tourist will be increase in Bangladesh.

Beside this we need to confirm some other issues which are directly related with tourism sector, those are political environment, people, culture, security, economic condition, government and other organization.

To solve this problem we are taking following steps:

Security and Political Development:

• As we all know about the political environment is not calm so we can arrange a political alliance especially with BNP and AWAMILIGUE that we will no do anything which will be threat for the tourism sector of the country. As the same are practiced in USA and the western civilization they have different political parties and terrorist problem but they count as one when the term of country.

• We can also make a regional alliance by using regional institutions like SAARC. We can commitment for the safety and security for the tourist in this region and help each other to do it. So that this region will be also benefited individually.

• We can make also a highly trained up Task Force with the help of regional community member to reduce the terrorist threat for the country.

Financial and Infrastructures development:

• To implement those above mentioned steps in real we will need a huge amount of money. We will take loan from World Bank and ADB. Also we can ask for help from our friendly country.

• We will not keep our all tourist places under the government sector we will also give chance some multi national company to setup their business. So that government can handle the pressure of development and investment.

• As we are the agrarian country so our most of the budget investment is now for the agriculture we will cut down it and make investment in tourism sector because of it can generate more revenue from the agriculture sector and people of the country will able to earn more money then before. Tourism sectors offer more employments to the country.

• We can also permit some multinational real state companies to make some world class hotel and motel in Bangladesh.

• We can also start some High rise commercial complex for shopping of the tourists. As Malaysia and Singapore did in their country. People often go to those countries for shopping also. And world class brand shop will be there.

Service:

• We can invite some multinational Bank to open their country branch in Bangladesh. So that tourist may easily deposit and cash back from here.

• We can train up a section of people as a tourist guide and employed them as a government employer. So that tourist can get help through them.

• We will arrange a high number of special transportation systems only for the tourist.

• We will make mandatory rules for the mobile phone operators that there will be one special number for all phone operators like if any tourist call “000” they will be provide any type of information according to their need.

SWOT analysis

Strength:

• Place for good shopping, safe destination, High quality service, Easy accessibility, Good night life, Pubs and entertainment. • Foreign investment, foreign multinational company. • Aggressive marketing and coordination of privatization and government organization.

• Well equipped transportation and infrastructure.

Weakness:

Peoples of Bangladesh are agrarian people and most of them are not so educated so it will be challenging for them to cope up the new revolution with tourism sector.

Opportunity:

Through this branding of Bangladesh there should be an economic revolution in Bangladesh. Beside this GDP will be increase of the people.

People will be used to with technological equipment uses. And also level of life will be increase.

Number of educated and skilled people will increase in the country.

Threats:

Bangladesh can face huge completion from regional partners as they will be trying to brand their country also. Because they had also huge investment in this sector.

If the implementation of this proposal is not take step with its competitors then the huge liability of load from World Bank and ADB can be huge burden for Bangladesh.

Survey Baseline:

For our thesis paper we have talked to 10 foreigner people each from UK embassy, USA embassy, Canadian embassy, Danish embassy, Italian embassy. We gave them a sheet of questioner and ask them fill up and we also talked to them individually.

And secondly we talked 20 people of some foreign passenger at Dhaka international Airport.

Based on those comment and questioner feedback we prepared our thesis paper and to develop our tourism sector we have made some recommendation. Attachment: (Questioner)

1. Do you think Bangladesh is a potential place for tourism sector?

(a) Yes (b) No (c) Yes, but they need to develop this sector.

2. Can you mention few name of tourism place in Bangladesh?

a) ………………………………………………………………………… b) I can mention just one or two place. c) I have no idea.

3. Do you think it is hassle free to step in this country?

a) Yes (b) No

4. Do think it is safe place to enjoy the natural beauty in this country? a) Yes (b) No (C) They need to develop their security system

5. Do you think it is cheap to spend few days here?

a) yes (b) No (c) No idea

6. Do you think the infrastructure we have those are developed enough?

a) Yes (b) No (c) They need to develop more.

7. Are you happy with the facilities are provided by the tourism board if Bangladesh?

a) Yes (b) No (c) They are trying

7. Mention 3 elements those are essential in a vacation place for you. ( put • mark at 3 items)

a) Bar b) Pubs c) Casino d) Massage parlor e) Golf course f) Private beach g) Helicopter pad

8. Do you think our shopping malls are enough to meet international community requirements?

a) Yes (b) No (c) You need to build more.

9. Do you think the Banking transaction is hassle free for the international tourist?

a) Yes (b) No (c) My Bank is not available here

10. If you are asked to mark the service you got from government and tourism board in Bangladesh then what will you give on 10? a) Below 5 b) 5 c) More then 5

Conclusion:

Bangladesh has got a huge natural beauty and that can be considered as a great tourism place in the world. We are a third world developing country most of the people here live under the poverty line. If we can develop our tourism sector by highlighting our natural beauty that we have we may stand out tall in the world map and also we can remove our image of corrupted country poor country. By developing our tourism sector we can earn a huge amount of money and decrease our unemployment problem.