Bangladesh struggles to lure foreign visitors despite natural wonders

Bangladesh's natural diversity, from the world's longest sea beach to the largest mangrove forest, offers all the makings of a thriving tourism economy. Yet, the country remains far from realising its potential as a global travel destination.

Industry insiders say that despite its unique attractions, Bangladesh continues to draw relatively few foreign visitors, mainly due to policy shortcomings, poor infrastructure, and weak international promotion.

They warn that without stronger government focus, improved facilities, and easier access for travellers, the country risks missing out on a major source of foreign income, employment, and regional economic growth.

Industry insiders also blamed poor transport links, limited quality accommodation, uninspiring cuisine, untrained tour guides, and a shortage of entertainment facilities.

Cumbersome visa procedures and lingering security concerns further deter potential visitors, overshadowing the country's natural beauty and cultural richness.

The inability to penetrate global tourism markets has prevented Bangladesh from realising the full potential of its tourism industry, along with the broader economic opportunities it could generate through growth, employment, and regional integration.

According to the Travel and Tourism Development Index 2024 (TTDI 2024) by the World Economic Forum (WEF), Bangladesh ranked 109th out of 119 economies - placing last among the 19 Asia-Pacific countries assessed.

In comparison, India ranked 39th, while Sri Lanka (76th), Pakistan (101st), and Nepal (105th) all performed better.

Data from the Immigration Police, compiled by the Bangladesh Tourism Board (BTB), show 0.66 million foreign passport holders visited Bangladesh in 2024, up from 0.52 million in 2022 and 0.65 million in 2023, indicating a marginal rise.

However, despite this modest increase, the country has yet to fully harness its tourism potential.

An Asian Development Bank report revealed that Bangladesh's foreign tourism earnings fell from US$ 453 million in 2023 to $ 440 million in 2024, equivalent to around Tk 1.59 billion.

Mohammed Rafiuzzaman, President of the Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh (TOAB), told The Financial Express that the tourism industry remains underdeveloped and low on the government's list of priorities.

He stressed that dedicated officers should be appointed at Bangladeshi missions abroad to promote the country's destinations and facilities to international travellers.

He further suggested that introducing an electronic visa system and providing incentive-based support to tour operators, such as duty-free vehicle imports and improved transport infrastructure, could make the sector more competitive.

The draft of Bangladesh's first National Tourism Master Plan projects international tourist arrivals to rise to 5.58 million by 2040. But those involved in the sector believe this target will remain a distant dream unless the government prioritises tourism.

While the draft identifies 1,498 tourist sites across the country, sources note that foreign visitors primarily frequent only a few - Cox's Bazar, the Sundarbans, and Sylhet.

Among these, Cox's Bazar attracts the most visitors thanks to its famed coastline. Yet, it offers few entertainment options for foreign tourists.

The beach town lacks a lively nightlife, adequate security, and dedicated zones for international visitors. Activities such as parasailing, scuba diving, and skydiving are also absent.

A BTB official, requesting anonymity, suggested creating an exclusive zone on Cox's Bazar beach where access would be offered at a premium, appealing not only to foreign tourists but also to domestic visitors seeking a more curated experience.

Dr Muhammad Shoeb-Ur-Rahman, Associate Professor of Tourism and Hospitality Management at the University of Dhaka, said that although the government is a key stakeholder, successive administrations have largely neglected tourism despite its economic potential.

He noted that while policies have been drafted from time to time, they have rarely been followed through with real intent or implementation.

Dr Rahman added that the government should play a pivotal role in supporting private-sector initiatives by offering incentives and tax exemptions for hotels, motels, and transport services. Such measures, he said, would not only spur industry growth but also help make Bangladesh a more appealing destination for global travellers.

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