Tourist havens overwhelmed, potential new products emergent

Tourist havens like beaches and bewitching forests across Bangladesh being overwhelmed with backpackers, potential new tourism products are now envisaged for the fast-growing economic sector.

The country's tourism sector is evolving into a significant economic pillar, contributing around 4.0 per cent of GDP and supporting over 2.0 million jobs as of now.

Its projected market volume is worth US$3.46 billion by 2029, with revenue reaching US$2.40 billion. The hotels market is expected to be the largest within the sector, with a projected market volume of US$1.21 billion in 2025.

The country now needs a shift toward sustainable and alternative forms of tourism, such as agro-tourism, rural tourism, community-based tourism, and river tourism, to ease pressure on the buzzing tourist spots and ensure long-term preservation of its natural and cultural assets, according to tourism experts and operators.

They think these new and unconventional tourism models are gaining traction as the mainstream tourist spots - Cox's Bazar, the Chittagong Hill Tracts, the Sundarbans mangrove forests and Sylhet sites - are overwhelmed with visitor surges during peak seasons.

Such influxes not only strain local infrastructure and ecosystems but also degrade the quality of travel experience, they argue.

"Our iconic tourist destinations become overcrowded during peak periods, and visitors often no longer find the peace or relief they seek," says Md. Rafeuzzaman, President of the Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh (TOAB).

"For this reason, many prefer agro-tourism, rural and community-based tourism, river tourism, and even spiritual tourism where they get peaceful habitat."

These forms of tourism promote sustainability, diversify the travel experience, and generate economic opportunities in rural areas.

But industry stakeholders say coordinated government support and aligned policies are essential to scale these alternatives.

"We need the government to take this seriously - to develop detailed policies, improve infrastructure, and support training and marketing," he adds.

The tour operators say agro-tourism and community tourism in the CHT allow tourists to explore local farms, experience indigenous cuisine, and learn about organic "zoom" farming practices.

River tourism, meanwhile, could offer guided journeys through Bangladesh's vast crisscrossing river networks, blending scenic pastoral beauty with cultural immersion.

The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), based in Kathmandu, has initiated community-based tourism projects in Bandarban's Ruma upazila, empowering indigenous communities to participate in and benefit from tourism.

"This type of tourism increases local income by involving communities in activities such as homestays, guiding, cultural performances, and handicrafts," says Md. Kabir Uddin, ICIMOD's Bangladesh representative.

Despite such early progress, tour operators say that government support remains inadequate.

"There are many resorts in places like Gazipur, greater Sylhet, and CHT," says Khabir Uddin Ahmed, the founder-president of the Tourism Resort Industries of Bangladesh.

"But a lack of road connectivity and basic infrastructure frustrates both domestic and foreign tourists. We offer green and rural tourism, but without support, we struggle to expand," Mr. Ahmed adds.

M. Nasir Uddin Badal, chairman of Aral Sea Limited, echoes similar sentiments about the prospects and necessary action for the income-and job-generating hospitality and recreation industry.

"We built a resort in Dakop upazila, called Sundori Eco Resort, where tourists enjoy viewing the Sundarbans by boat through the canals. Ecotourism is expanding fast, but it needs government facilitation."

Some tour operators have urged the interim government to include tourism-sector reforms in its policy initiatives.

"We have potential, but image issues and lack of facilitation hold us back," says Syed Habib Ali, president of the Tourism Developers Association of Bangladesh.

While several tourism master plans have been proposed over the years, implementation has been slow, often failing to prioritize sustainability or local community engagement.

The Bangladesh Resorts Association also warns that without proper zoning, quality standards, and investment in emerging destinations, the country risks overexploiting existing hotspots while leaving culturally rich areas underdeveloped.

Experts say Bangladesh urgently needs a national strategy that integrates environmental protection, economic inclusivity, and cultural preservation - a model that could relieve overcrowded destinations and provide tourists with more meaningful, authentic experiences.

jasimharoon@yahoo.com