Innovative and strategic actions are urgently needed to revitalise the tourism industry in Bangladesh, discussants said in a seminar on Monday.

Key challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, lack of security and safety, poor communication and transportation networks, as well as insufficient hotels, motels, and restaurants are significant barriers to the sustainable growth of the tourism sector, they said.

These gaps in the current tourism framework pose serious threats to its future development and sustainability. Infrastructure improvements and addressing environmental concerns are essential to transform tourism into a major contributor to Bangladesh’s GDP (gross domestic product), they said.

The Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) organised the seminar titled “Tourism for Attaining SDGs: Challenges and Prospects for Bangladesh” at the BIISS auditorium in Dhaka, read a press release.

Md Touhid Hossain, adviser to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, graced the event as the chief guest. Nasreen Jahan, secretary of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, was present as the special guest.

BIISS Director General Maj Gen Iftekhar Anis delivered the welcome address, while BIISS Chairman Ambassador AFM Gousal Azam Sarker chaired the session.

Abu Sufian, executive director of Tourism Research and Development, presented the keynote presentation.

A panel discussion followed the keynote presentation. The panellists were Sufia Khanom, senior research fellow, BIISS, Md Abu Kalam Siddique, DIG, Tourist Police Bangladesh, and Munal Mahbub, director-in-charge, FBCCI. There was an open discussion session after the panel discussion.

Speakers and discussants mentioned that Bangladesh boasts a rich array of tourism assets, including forests, beaches, water bodies, hills, wildlife, indigenous cultures, historical and archaeological sites, cultural heritage, folklore, handicrafts, art, and festivals, all of which collectively attract both domestic and international tourists.

Although Bangladesh has identified tourism as a key sector for its national development, it faces significant challenges. However, it is anticipated that with well-planned strategies and policies, this industry has the potential to make a substantial contribution to the nation’s economy in its pursuit of sustainable development, they said.

Achieving the SDG goals requires a comprehensive evaluation of public policies, strategic frameworks, and government initiatives. The government has established three tourism zones, improved facilities at key tourist sites and implemented various policy measures to promote sustainable development through tourism.

Senior officials from different ministries, diplomatic missions, media, researchers, business people, academia, and representatives from various think tanks and international organisations participated in the seminar.