Tourism in Bangladesh: A catalyst for job creation

This country has a chance to improve domestic tourism primarily because of its large population and potential tourism attractions. Photo: Sohel Rana

In a village in Remacri, Bandarban, 24-year-old Krey Sa guides tourists on treks to the stunning Nafakhum waterfalls while helping her mother arrange lodging for visitors in their home. Her mother weaves intricate handicrafts that now attract buyers from around the world. Krey Sa's family has transitioned from daunting poverty to a path of prosperity, thanks to tourism and community-based initiatives that have unlocked new opportunities.

Just a few years ago, Krye Sa completed tour guide training at Bandarban Technical School and College, gaining the skills needed to operate tours in her locality. The training not only helped her understand what tourists seek but also made her confident in interacting with visitors and sharing stories about her beloved corner of Bangladesh.

Like Krye Sa, thousands of Bangladeshis are discovering new paths to prosperity as tourism emerges not only as a key driver of economic growth but also as a catalyst for local empowerment, skill development, and environmental restoration.

Tourism in Bangladesh is more than just an industry—it's a force for change. With the country's rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and unmatched biodiversity, there's immense potential to make tourism a cornerstone of sustainable development. This movement towards a more inclusive tourism industry is creating jobs, nurturing skills, and fostering local enterprises that promise a brighter, more sustainable future for the people and the environment of Bangladesh.

Bangladesh offers a rich blend of cultural, historical, and natural heritage that defines its unique identity. From the ancient ruins of Paharpur and the mosques of Bagerhat to the vibrant folk traditions and diverse ethnic communities in the Chattogram Hill Tracts and Sylhet, the country's cultural landscape is extraordinary. Home to natural wonders like the Sundarbans, the world's largest mangrove forest, and Cox's Bazar, the longest sea beach globally, Bangladesh is a captivating destination with immense untapped tourism potential.

As one of the world's fastest-growing industries, tourism has demonstrated its ability to create jobs across various sectors, including hospitality, transportation, food services, handicrafts, and retail. In Bangladesh, where youth unemployment and underemployment remain significant challenges, tourism offers considerable promise for generating employment, especially in rural and underdeveloped areas.

Although tourism has the potential for multi-sectoral impact, oftentimes we see a skewed distribution of returns from tourism. Large industries in the hospitality sector are often inaccessible by the community in terms of jobs and supplies, thereby limiting their local value added. However, the idea of community-led tourism is still in its infancy in Bangladesh.

However, there has been a shifting paradigm towards the tourist services. People are looking for more local products and localised services with human touch and environmental sensitivity everywhere. The middle class in Bangladesh also greatly aspires for such community-led touristic services. Yet, the idea of community-led tourism is still in its infancy in Bangladesh.

The current interim government vision for Bangladesh emphasises a tourism sector that embodies the principles of zero wealth concentration, ensuring that economic gains from tourism are equitably distributed across all segments of society. The vision seeks to transform tourism into a tool for reducing income inequality, particularly in rural and underdeveloped areas, by promoting community-based tourism, fostering local enterprises, and ensuring fair wages for workers.

While tourism offers employment opportunities, one of the critical challenges in Bangladesh is the skills gap. To fully capitalise on the sector's potential, the workforce must be equipped with technical and vocational education and necessary skills that meet international tourism standards. There are opportunities for lifelong learning as this sector already has skilled, semi-skilled, and low-skilled workers, and they must improve the quality to cater to the service sector.

In the Bangladeshi context, where jobs are becoming more scarce, developing inclusive and community-led tourism holds massive potential. As a UN agency for the world of work, ILO Bangladesh has been actively working with the government and stakeholders in the tourism sector to make it profitable and sustainable. 

It is crucial to strengthen institutional frameworks for tourism governance, improve marketing strategies, and build human resource capacity to meet the growing demands of the industry.

The International Labour Organisation (ILO), through its commitment to decent work and equitable growth, is helping ensure that this potential is realised, not just for the privileged few but for all, particularly those in marginalised communities.

Sketch: TBS

Tuomo Poutiainen is the Country Director, Bangladesh, International Labour Organization 

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of The Business Standard