Mohiuddin Khan Khokon, director of Sales & Marketing at Hotel The Cox Today and De’More Hotel & Resort, and an Executive Member of the Bangladesh International Hotel Association (BIHA), shares his candid views on Bangladesh’s untapped tourism potential. In this exclusive conversation with the Daily Sun, he highlights why, despite its extraordinary natural beauty and heritage, Bangladesh lags behind its neighbours in attracting international tourists — and what needs to change for the country to earn its rightful place on the global tourism map.

daily sun :  Bangladesh’s tourism potential is often described as limitless. In reality, how much of it are we truly tapping into?

Khokon: It’s absolutely true that Bangladesh has immense tourism potential. Where there is heritage, historic landmarks, rivers, hills, and sea — there is tourism potential. Bangladesh has all of these. So why shouldn’t tourism thrive here? Unfortunately, while much research is done on why the sector is underdeveloped, very little actual work is being implemented.

daily sun :  Our neighbours like Nepal, Bhutan and Sri Lanka have successfully branded themselves internationally. In your view, why is Bangladesh lagging behind?

daily sun :  Our neighbouring countries have made significant progress in tourism, and the sector plays a major role in their national economies. In Bangladesh, however, tourism contributes only about 3–4%, which is extremely disappointing. Although the government declared tourism an “industry” nearly a decade ago, those of us working to advance it are yet to receive any real benefits. Government agencies are not offering sufficient support. Licensing and approvals are cumbersome, and despite repeated calls, a one-stop service hasn’t been introduced. Taxes and VAT on tourism are also much higher than in neighbouring countries, which drives hotel prices up. All of these factors are slowing us down rather than pushing us forward.

daily sun :  Why do you think foreign tourists are reluctant to visit Bangladesh? Is it due to visa procedures, infrastructure, or lack of international promotion?

Khokon: Foreign tourists simply don’t come. If even 1% of our tourists aren’t foreigners, how will we earn foreign currency from tourism? The primary reason is security. Our neighbouring countries have been able to guarantee safety for foreign tourists; we haven’t. Despite having good accommodation facilities, we’re almost entirely dependent on domestic tourists. Beyond security, visa processes and lack of international promotion are also major barriers.

daily sun :  We have unique destinations like Cox’s Bazar, the Sundarbans and Sylhet. Yet these places haven’t achieved global recognition. How do you compare Bangladesh with neighbouring countries on this?

Khokon: As I’ve said before, Bangladesh already has everything a thriving tourism industry needs — the beaches of Cox’s Bazar, the Sundarbans, Sajek, Sylhet — but if foreign tourists don’t feel safe, or if there aren’t enough entertainment options, why would they come?

daily sun :  Looking ahead five to ten years, if the government and private sector work together, where do you see Bangladesh on the international tourism map?

Khokon: The Bangladesh government has already created an ambitious ten-year plan to develop tourism. The private sector is also trying to push the industry forward. However, we still need deeper research on why we’re not achieving our targets. The government must ensure safety and better connectivity.

daily sun :  How do you see the facilities available in Cox’s Bazar? Where are the gaps and what should be done?

Khokon: Cox’s Bazar is Bangladesh’s prime tourist destination, home to the world’s longest natural beach. But aside from a few excellent star-rated hotels, there’s very little else. Beyond counting the waves or listening to the ocean from your hotel room, there’s almost nothing to do. Yet, drawn by the sea, Bangladeshis still visit Cox’s Bazar at least once a year. There’s virtually no entertainment infrastructure.

I’ve been working in tourism for nearly 12 years. Our Hotel The Cox Today has been serving visitors for 13 years. To enrich Bangladesh’s tourism scene, we were the first to launch a chain hotel — De’More Hotel & Resort — with outlets in Bangladesh’s major tourist areas such as Bandarban, Sajek, Kuakata, Srimangal, as well as in Dhaka and Chattogram.

I’m also an Executive Member of the Bangladesh International Hotel Association (BIHA) and serve as a Director under the government’s NSDA in the Tourism & Hospitality Industry Skills Council. We’re working to implement various government and private sector plans to advance the industry, and we’re hopeful that Bangladesh’s tourism sector will soon turn around.

daily sun :  It’s often said that Bangladesh lacks nightlife, which deters foreign tourists. Do you agree, and what should be done?

Khokon: I’m almost in the same position I was in when I said this during an interview 12 years ago. What has changed since then is that Cox’s Bazar finally has a railway line — a long-standing demand — and its airport is being upgraded to international standards. On the private side, more hotels are opening, and we’re establishing large-scale facilities such as Cox Carnival, a vast food court with live music.