For the many tourists who visit Bangladesh each year, a rare glimpse of the endangered Royal Bengal Tiger – the country’s iconic national emblem – is what the majority come hoping to set eyes on. While it is often said that the majestic beast is the true jewel in Bangladesh’s sightseeing crown, aside to this famous feline, the place holds an undiscovered treasure chest brimming with other natural and historical charms. The mangrove-covered tiger reserve of Sundarbans National Park is just one example of the numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites that can be found in Bangladesh, including the ancient mosque city of Bagerhat.
From its archaeological delights in the north, to the pristine coastline of Cox’s Bazar – the world’s longest uninterrupted beach – in the south, Bangladesh is impressively diverse.And yet despite such astonishing attributes, tourism in the country has, until now, remained relatively underdeveloped.
Under Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Muhammad Faruk Khan, the Government is currently implementing a masterplan that is beginning to see improvements in infrastructure, such as roads and airports, while also endeavouring to attract greater foreign investment through public-private partnerships (PPPs).
With policies being put into place to ensure that the future development of the industry is sustainable and “green”, according to Mr Khan, it is expected that tourism will not only look after Bangladesh’s environment, but also its people.
By transforming some of its isolated and largely impoverished communities into highly attractive, world-class destinations, the Government – in partnership with its investors – aims to provide 4 million jobs through the sector within the next 10 years, helping not only a new generation of tourists to discover the beauty of Bangladesh, but a new generation of Bangladeshis to reap the rewards.
0 COMMENTS