The zigzag hills at Chattogram Hill Tracts (CHT), adorned with lush greenery, valleys, diverse wildlife and the calm blue waters of the lake, have enticed the nature lovers, increasing their numbers significantly in a few years.

Improved connectivity and private initiatives have transformed these mountainous areas into must-visit tourist attractions of the country.

Industry insiders focused on government support, strong promotion and improved facilities and security to attract more tourists, especially foreigners.

Among the tourist spots in the hills, Sajek Valley—located 550 meters above sea level at Baghaichhari upazila in Rangamati—tops the list for mountain lovers.

The breathtaking view of clouds floating close to vacationers on the top of a hill, surrounded by greenery, offers visitors a much-needed escape from the monotony of everyday life.

Speaking to the Daily Sun, Sajek Cottage Owners' Association vice president Chai Thoi Chowdhury shared that they had found all 120 resorts and cottages in Sajek that were booked last month (December).

“In this high season, some 3,000 to 4,000 people visit Sajek every day. Many had to spend the night in local people's homes, storerooms, clubhouses, mosques or schools due to lack of space at that time,” he said.

Chowdhury noted that Sajek's transformation is remarkable. Five years ago, the area saw only 100 to 150 tourists every day and had just 20 cottages and resorts.

He attributed private initiatives, improved connectivity and improved law and order to the surge in tourists.

The Rangamati Parjatan Holiday Complex, the oldest government-run tourist attraction, features a beautiful suspension bridge resting on two pillars between two hills. The vast waters of Kaptai Lake and the distant hills create a picturesque atmosphere there.

According to the complex sources, at least 4,000 tourists visited the site daily in November and December, while on average 80% of rooms remained fully booked.

The complex's manager Alok Bikash Chakma noted that the current flow of tourists was greater than those from previous venues. It helped them earn around Tk40 lakh in December alone, double the previous Tk20 lakh.

However, he pointed out that despite the increase in the number of local tourists, the flow of foreigners decreased.

Alok believes that the decline can be attributed to a lack of additional facilities for foreign visitors, insufficient promotion, inadequate accommodation options, poorly planned tourism management and safety concerns.

In the absence of government initiatives, private investments have significantly advanced the tourism sector in Rangamati.

The Bangladesh Police and Army also developed two popular attractions, such as Polwell Park and Aranyak in the hill district. Moreover, at least ten other tourist spots, including Mayabi Island, Ranga Beach Camp, Bargi Lake Valley, and Ranga Island, also attract a large number of holidaymakers.

Houseboats, equipped with accommodation and food facilities that resemble floating houses, have also become an attraction these days.

Rangamati Hotel-Motel Owners’ Association General Secretary Yusuf Chowdhury said tourism was once limited to seasonal affairs, but tourists now visit all year round.

As a result, a significant part of the local economy now relies on tourism, while the number of hotels and motels now stands at 50 in the small hilly town, he added.

In picturesque Bandarban, with the highest mountains such as Keokradong-Tajingdong, about 50% of the population now depends on tourism for their livelihood.

However, for security reasons due to the activities of some terrorist groups, authorities discourage tourists from visiting certain areas.

Adip Barua, an employee of the Nilachal Parjatan Kendra, noted that around 3,000 visitors currently visit the place every day. The centre earns around Tk4,500,000 monthly from ticket sales alone.

Currently, around 1,000 visitors visit the Meghla Parjatan Kendra, compared to 100-150 visitors during the normal period.

Bandarban Hotel, Motel, and Resort Owners Association president Sirajul Islam said tourism has transformed the entire livelihood landscape in the hills.

A tourist's visit supports the livelihoods of at least 33 people from various service sectors, he said.

About 70 hotels and motels can provide accommodation for 6,000 people in Bandarban and 80% of these facilities remained fully booked in recent months, Islam said.

On the other hand, tourists usually flock to Alutila, Rishang Waterfall, Taidochhara, New Zealand Para, Shilachhari and Maya Bini Lake in Khagrachhari.

Thoiang Ongya Marma, supervisor of the District Council Horticulture Park, stressed the need to develop new tourism spots through both government and private initiatives, especially integrating ecotourism with modern amenities.

“There is a need to invest in other sectors for entertainment, not just depending on nature,” he added. The tourism-related businessmen noted that private investment in the hill areas is increasing day by day and has crossed Tk250 crore in the last decade.

They demanded government support in the form of bank loans to further advance the industry.

Assistant Professor Saikat Das of the Marketing Department of Chittagong University has been working on ecotourism in the Chattogram Hill Tracts for a long time.

He observed that obtaining government support is a major challenge for the development of tourism in the hills. Moreover, there is no initiative from either government or private parties to effectively promote tourism.

He also pointed out that the cost of tourism in Bangladesh is higher than in any other country.

Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation general manager (planning, statistics and training) Md Ziaul Haque Howlader said the corporation developed several establishments in the country in the 1980s and 1990s.

 Following the initiatives, the private ones are advancing the industry now, he said.

"The Chattogram hill tracts are ecologically significant, so the government doesn’t wish to see an excessive number of structures in the mountains. However, the corporation is taking steps to renovate the hanging bridge over Kaptai Lake in Rangamati and the motel located along the Chengi River in Khagrachhari," he added.