Tourism

233. Bangladesh, ‘the queen of all countries’, has not yet become attractive for the tourists. Tourism policy shall be updated to achieve the goal of popularization of tourist industry, its expansion and development and make Bangladesh a tourist friendly destination. The entry points into Bangladesh will be made cleaner, hassle free, and service oriented. All measures will be taken to make attractive the facial view of Bangladesh by cleaning the big cities. Creative strategies shall be adopted to expand the tourist industry in a densely populated and land scarce country like Bangladesh.

234. The main capital of tourism industry is nature and culture. Through conserving these assets a sustainable development of tourism especially eco-tourism shall be adopted. It is possible to attract tourist by planned development of Bangladeshi villages through developing model facilities. Age old cultural themes prevailing in the villages such as Jari Song, Sari Song, Gombhira, Jatra and Pala, village sports and games like LathiKhela (Stick Fight), Village Drums Beating, Art and Craft, the greenery of the villages, rivers and canals, journey by boat, and boat race etc. can be attractive to the domestic and foreign tourist. Village-tourism shall be developed at least in one village in every district with facilities for overnight stay. Other attractive elements of village-tourism will be village Pithas, plucking fresh fruits from the fruit trees. Along with public, private initiatives will be encouraged in this regard.

235. Historic and archeological sites of Bangladesh shall be developed as attractive spots for the tourists. Other than those spots places like Cox’s Bazar, Kuakata, Rangamati, Khagrachori, Bandarban, Sundarban, Sylhet, Garo Hills, and few other coastal and river bank sites will be developed as special tourist spots.

236. Ethnic tourism and water tourism will be developed in different relevant spots of the country. 

237. Tourism friendly laws shall be enacted for the coordinated and planned development of tourism. Travelling procedures for the foreign tourists will be made simpler and easier. Safe and comfortable travel and housing facilities will be ensured for foreign and local tourists. Trained interpreters and tourist guides shall be ensured to help and assist foreign tourists. 

238. Tourism shall be created as an employment generating and poverty ameliorating sector through local and foreign investment. Modern tourist facilities and infrastructure shall be ensured in the tourist spots of the country. Small and medium investors in the tourism sector shall be given low cost credit and tax holiday so that interested entrepreneurs can avail the opportunity of self-employment and local youths get jobs. 

239. In order to make old Dhaka city attractive to the tourists, different historical sites and old buildings and structures shall be conserved and refurbished. Traditional food and drinks of old Dhaka will be presented before the tourists in a hygienic and aesthetic manner.  

240. As a recognition of contribution to the development of tourism industry, tourism award will be introduced in the private and public sector.

241. Bangladesh embassies/high commission abroad shall take initiatives and ensure necessary publicity to encourage over-seas tourist to visit Bangladesh.