Untapped sites
photo: Mohammad Shahidul Islam
While tourism continues to grow at a rapid pace the world over, it has not been able to gain much ground in Bangladesh. Over the years there has been so much talk over the 'tourism potential' of Bangladesh. It has become a cliché. It is the absence of serious planning and execution, coupled with the unprofessional approach of the government authorities that has been a perennial stumbling block in the realisation of the region's tourism potential. Mere observance of the World Tourism Day is not going to make any difference unless the irritants plaguing tourism in Bangladesh are addressed. Since Bangladesh has diverse attractions to offer to the tourist in the form of its pristine natural beauty, forests and wildlife, rivers and mountains, and a unique multi-cultural heritage, it is indeed baffling that tourism continues to be a non-starter amidst such potential. We have erred on several counts in transforming this potential into a reality. A number of constraints -- from the lack of a sustained publicity campaign to poor infrastructure continue to hamper the growth of tourism. The connectivity of many of our tourist spots naturally raises questions over the sincerity of the government's oft-repeated commitment to tourism. World Heritage Sites like Paharpur and Sundarbans do not have proper link roads. Basic infrastructures like all-weather roads and hygienic accommodation besides proper upkeep of the sites are imperative for a sustained flow of tourists. Tourism today is a product that needs to be hard-sold to the outside world through aggressive marketing. While the government effort may not be enough to harness the region's prospects, the authorities could become facilitators by roping in private investment. The government machinery will have to change its mindset and exhibit the professionalism. We would do well to take a leaf out of the flourishing tourism industry of Britain and strive to replicate its success. Tourism is one industry that can ensure benefits to all its stakeholders from a taxi driver to a five-star hotelier. It is time our efforts went beyond the old rhetoric of the country being a tourist paradise. Concrete action, and not words, will change the face of tourism here.
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