24.05.2023
Taslim Ahammad
Tourism and Hospitality Management in Bangladesh: A Review
Tourism and hospitality management is an important sector in Bangladesh, contributing considerably to the country’s economic growth. With its rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and diverse cuisine, Bangladesh has the potential to become a major tourist destination in the region. However, the tourism and hospitality industry in Bangladesh is still in its early stages of development and faces several challenges.
Tourism and hospitality management in Bangladesh includes the management of many services and facilities for tourists, such as accommodation, transportation, food and beverage, entertainment, and cultural activities. The industry is primarily driven by domestic tourism, with a growing number of international tourists visiting the country in recent years. However, compared to other countries in the region, Bangladesh still gaps behind in terms of tourist arrivals and revenue.
One of the main challenges facing the tourism and hospitality sector in Bangladesh is the lack of suitable infrastructure and facilities. Many of the tourist destinations in the country are still underdeveloped, with poor road connectivity, limited accommodation options, and inadequate sanitation facilities. This makes it problematic for tourists to access these destinations and affects their overall experience.
An additional challenge facing the industry is the lack of skilled manpower. There is a shortage of trained professionals in various areas of tourism and hospitality management, such as hotel management, travel and tour operations, and culinary arts. This limits the quality of service and may have a negative impact on the reputation of this sector.
Furthermore, there are various regulatory and bureaucratic challenges that delay the development of the tourism and hospitality industry in Bangladesh. These include complex and time-consuming procedures for obtaining permits and licenses, and inconsistent enforcement of rules and regulations.
Despite these challenges, there are opportunities for the tourism and hospitality industry in Bangladesh to grow and develop. The government has acknowledged the potential of the industry and has taken steps to promote tourism and hospitality management in the country. For example, it has introduced policies to encourage foreign investment in the industry, such as tax holidays and duty-free imports of equipment and materials.
There has also been a growing interest in ecotourism in Bangladesh, with tourists seeking out destinations that offer unique experiences and endorse sustainability. This has led to the development of eco-resorts and community-based tourism initiatives, which provide employment opportunities for local communities and promote conservation of the environment.
To sum up, tourism and hospitality management in Bangladesh has great potential for growth and development. However, it is important for the industry to address the challenges it faces, such as inadequate infrastructure and facilities, lack of skilled manpower, and regulatory and bureaucratic difficulties. By addressing these challenges and capitalising on the opportunities that exist, the tourism and hospitality industry in Bangladesh may contribute significantly to the country’s economy and promote cultural exchange and understanding.
The End
Taslim Ahammad
Assistant Professor
Department of Management Studies
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University, Gopalganj, Bangladesh