Tourism Industry – The Next Driving Sector of Bangladesh Economy: A Study in Sylhet

2.1 What is Tourism?

Tourism is a mechanism and all part of travel sector activities which results from the interactions of the people who travel for touristic purposes with the people at the destination and institutions of the travel trade.

Tourism is traveling for predominantly recreational or leisure purposes or the provision of services to support this leisure travel. According to UNWTO, tourism comprises the activities of persons travelling to and staying in places outside their usual environment for not more than one consecutive year for leisure, business and other purposes not related to the exercise of an activity remunerated from within the place visited. UNWTO defines tourists as people who "travel to and stay in places outside their usual environment for not more than one consecutive year for leisure, business and other purposes not related to the exercise of an activity remunerated from within the place visited".

2.2 Who is a tourist?

Any person who travel to a country or a place other than his/her usual place of residence for a period of at least one night (24 Hours) but not more than a year, except remunerated from within the country he visited.

2.3 What is a destination?

A place which supplies the reason for travel and where the journey of a traveler ends for sometime. According to its facilities a destination can be a business destination or a touristic destination.

2.4 Definition of Attractions

Attractions are the facilities, activities, location or sights that do visit monuments, museums, mountains or any other natural wonder.

 

2.5 9-S  in Tourism

1. Sea 2. Sand  3. Snow

4. Sun 5. Scenery  6. Sight seeing

7. Shopping 8. Sex   9. Show

2.6 Trends That Favor Tourism

• Rise in disposable income
• Smaller family and changing rules
• Higher divorce rate and many singles
• Greater mobility
• Growth of multinational companies
• Greater credit availability
• Growth in government securities program
• Increase in education and motivation
• Growth of cities and towns
• Travel simplification
• Increase in number of retired person
• Change in social values

2.7 Trends that Decrease Tourism

·         Political unrest

·         Terrorism

·         Economic uncertainty

·         Irritating behavior of Airport, Immigration, Custom officials etc.

·         Dangerous diseases

·         Natural Calamities

2.8 Types of Traveler

1.      Corporate or Business traveler

2.      Conference or meeting traveler

3.      Incentive traveler

4.      Adventure traveler

5.      Leisure traveler

2.9 Tourism Products

1.      Natural resources (Lake, Mountain etc)

2.      Manmade resources (Park, Garden etc)

3.      Geographical resources

4.      Culture and historical features

5.      In fractures (Airport, Rail, Road etc.)

6.      Tourism super structure (Motel, Resort, Guest house  etc)

2.10 Travel & Tourism – The Winds Of Change

Tourism is a leading industry of the 21st century. It is the single largest industry in the world today. As per statistics issued by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) more than 255 million people earn their livelihood from tourism and by the year 2006, no fewer than 385 million will be doing so. With an estimated 1,600 thousand million US dollars having been invested by then, its 11.1 percent share of gross world product will have established tourism as the most significant factor in the entire global economy. In 2001 international tourist arrivals and receipts stood at 693 million and $ 462 billion respectively making it the highest export earning sector of the world.

The New Millennium and the coming decades are very much crucial for the developing countries to achieve Sustainable Economic Growth. Tourism is considered to be the largest income generator of the world economy contributing over 10% to Global Gross Domestic Product (GDP). For at least one third of the developing countries, the tourism receipts are the main source of export revenue and the tourism industry generates substantial economic benefits to the developing countries.

The exceptional growth of tourism over the last 50 years is one of the most remarkable economic and social phenomena of the 21st century. The number of international arrivals shows an evolution from a mere 25 million arrivals in 1950 to the 763 million of 2004 representing an average annual growth rate of more than 7% over a period of 50 years - well above the average annual economic growth rate for the same period. Tourism has clearly outperformed all the other sectors of the economy and has grown into the most significant economic activity in the world.

Tourism industry has an increasingly vital economic, social, cultural and environmental impact, both globally and on the national scale, and that the continuing growth of tourism and tourism-related activities has diverse implications for the attainment of sustainable development.

For many developing countries, in particular the Least Developed Countries (LDCs), tourism is considered to be the one of the fundamental pillars of their Economic Development.

Tourism industry did not play any significant role in the internal or international economy until the first-half of the twentieth century: Tourism then used to be a means of recreation and diversion of only a few wealthy and aristocratic people of taste and some committed travelers to lands far and near. But over the last four decades there has been radical change in the situation and tourism has made remarkable contributions to the economy of various countries and that of the World by developing into an industry and has gained importance in increasing the domestic wealth. Tourism industry is now recognized as the World's third largest trade.

As it is now possible to travel far and wide in shorter times due to unprecedented development in communication and transportation system, tourism has developed into an important popular medium of greater contact between peoples of different countries, of exchange of social and cultural ideas, and above all as a contributory factor to growing international amity, cooperation and global fraternity. The international community has unanimously accepted this reality and thereupon the World Tourism Organization was established in 1975 under the aegis of the United Nations Organization for providing administrative and institutional support to this industry. Bangladesh is one of the founder-members of this organization. Besides, various international, regional and multinational organizations, such as UNDP, World Bank, IMF, UNESCO, EEC, ESCAP, ADB are giving different types of financial and technical assistance at an increasing rate for promotion and development of the tourism industry.

Chapter III

Tourism in Bangladesh

3.1 Introduction

Bangladesh is situated on the north-eastern side of the South Asian subcontinent and is bordered by India in the east, west and north; by a small part of Myanmar in the south-east and by the bay of Bengal in the south. Bangladesh is mainly a flat alluvial plain, criss-crossed by the world's three mighty river systems, namely the Padma, the Jamuna and the Meghna and their innumerable tributaries. The land mass of Bangladesh is home to 120 million people. The hill districts are situated in the eastern fringes of the country reaching an average elevation of 660 meters. The slopes and valleys are covered with virgin forests that are home to numerous flora and fauna. In the south are the Sundarbans, the world's largest mangrove forest and the habitat of the Royal Bengal1iger. The climate of Bangladesh is sub-tropical with a hot and humid summer and a cool and dry winter. Annual rainfall ranges from 160 to 200 cm. The best period to visit Bangladesh is from November to March when temperatures range from 13.50 C to 26.50 C.

Bangladesh Information

Official Name The People's Republic Of Bangladesh.

Capital Dhaka (Area 414 sq. km. Master plan 777 sq.km.)

Currency Currency unit is Taka. Notes are of 1,2,5,10,20,50,100 and 500 Taka. Coins are of 1,5,10,25,50 and 100 Poisha (100 Poisha = 1 Taka) Language Bangla is the state language. English is also widely spoken and understood. Arabic is read and spoken for religious purposes.

Population Total estimated population 130 million. Religions Muslim 88.3%, Hindu 10.5%, others 1.2%. Area » Total: 144,000 sq km. » Land: 133,910 sq km. » Water: 10,090 sq km. Location Latitude from 20 degree 34' to 26 degree 38' north. Longitude from 88 degree 01' to 92 degree 41' east. Boundary Bounded by India from the north, east and west, Burma from the south-east and the Bay of Bengal from the south. Climate Tropical; cool, dry winter (October to March); hot, humid summer (March to June); cool, rainy monsoon (June to October). Rainfall Lowest 47" and highest 136". National Days » National Martyrs Day (February 21) » Independence Day ( March 26 ) » Victory Day ( December 16) Principal Rivers Padma, Meghna, Jamuna, Brahmaputra, Madhumati, Surma and Kushiara. Principal Crops Rice, jute, tobacco, tea, sugarcane, vegetables, potato, pulses, etc. Fruits Mango, banana, pineapple, jack-fruit, water-melon, green coconut, guava, lichis, etc. Major Industries Jute, sugar, paper, textiles, fertilizers, cigarette, cement, steel, natural gas, oil-refinery, newsprint, power generation, rayon, matches, fishing and food processing, leather, soap, carpet, timber, ship-building, telephone, etc. Airports Zia International Airport, Dhaka, Chittagong International Airport, Sylhet International Airport and domestic airports at Jessore, Sylhet, Cox's Bazar, Rajshahi and Saidpur. Sea Ports » Chittagong » Mongla. Tourist Interests Longest sea beach, colorful tribal life, centuries' old archeological sites, the Sundarbans (home of the Royal Bengal Tigers and spotted deer), largest tea gardens, interesting riverine life, etc.

Bangladesh is endowed with enchanting scenic beauty, mighty rivers, sunny beaches, historical relics and colorful tribal life all the potentials to attract visitors for eco tourism, sight seeing and plain holidaying in pristine and unspoiled surroundings.

Bangladesh tourist attractions are varied and include UNESCO-declared archeological world heritage sites like ancients mosques, pagodas, temples and other monuments, world’s longest unbroken sandy beach, green hills, lively, verdant forests, colorful indigenous cultures and diverse wild life. Bangladesh offers ample opportunities for angling, water skiing, river cursing, hiking, rowing and yachting, sea bathing or simply communing with pristine nature. Although most of the country is an alluvial plain scored by countless rivers, the landscape has enough variety to sustain the visitors’ interest. Here tourist from all over the world can enjoy the experience of watching exquisite setting sun and the rising moon at the same time in the primeval forest of the Sundarbans or the unrivalled splendor of Inani beach where the blue surf on the black corals continuously creates a magical ambience under steady gaze of green hills.

 Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation the national tourism organization- and allied Government and private tour operators are making vigorous efforts to develop the special interest places for visitors. As a result modern hotels, motels with recreational and other facilities, rest houses, youth inns, restaurants and café’s of world-class standards are rapidly coming up all over the country. Currently, 12 such locations starting from the capital to the hinterlands have evolved into frequently visited tourist spots offering regular and specialized services. These facilities coupled with improved communications and liberal customs and immigration rules have turned Bangladesh into a favorite tourist destination in the region.

3.2 The Role of Tourism in Bangladesh Economy

The New Millennium and the coming decades are very much crucial for the developing countries to achieve Sustainable Economic Growth. Tourism is considered to be the largest income generator of the world economy contributing over 10% to Global Gross Domestic Product (GDP). For at least one third of the developing countries, the tourism receipts are the main source of export revenue and the tourism industry generates substantial economic benefits to the developing countries.

The exceptional growth of tourism over the last 50 years is one of the most remarkable economic and social phenomena of the 21st century. The number of international arrivals shows an evolution from a mere 25 million arrivals in 1950 to the 763 million of 2004 representing an average annual growth rate of more than 7% over a period of 50 years - well above the average annual economic growth rate for the same period. Tourism has clearly outperformed all the other sectors of the economy and has grown into the most significant economic activity in the world.

Tourism industry has an increasingly vital economic, social, cultural and environmental impact, both globally and on the national scale, and that the continuing growth of tourism and tourism-related activities has diverse implications for the attainment of sustainable development.

For many developing countries, in particular the Least Developed Countries (LDCs), tourism is considered to be the one of the fundamental pillars of their economic Development.

But despite of many prospects, the tourism industry in Bangladesh remains neglected for a long time. Bangladesh is bestowed with the beauties of nature. Its fascinating natural beauty has provoked many travellers from far and nears through ages to undertake a journey to this land of the Bengalis. One such traveler aptly observed, "Bangala has a hundred gates open for entrance, but not one for departure.”

Bangladesh offers the rare beauty spot of sunrise & sunset in fascinating Kuakata, the rare beauty of the Sundarbans-abode of the Royal Bengal Tiger, the longest smooth sandy beach in Cox's Bazar, the oldest archeological site in Mahasthangarh and many other delightful beauties of cultural and historical heritage. Bangladesh is inheritor to a rich cultural legacy.

In more than two thousand years of its history, many illustrious dynasties of kings and Sultans have ruled and gone, but not without leaving their mark in the form of magnificent cities and monuments and the desolate ruins which can still be seen in many places throughout the country. Above all, the simple and friendly people of Bangladesh - along with its tribes isolated from modern society by their own distinct culture and way of life - make Bangladesh a unique attraction for tourists.

Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation (BPC), the national tourism organization of the country, was established in 1973 with the intention of developing the tourist facilities and promoting tourism products and created a favorable image of the country. Although BPC is one of the few public sector corporations earning profit since 1983-84, it fails to attract foreign tourists due to some limitations.

The Tourism sector can play an important role as a driving force of Economic Development by contributing in three high priority goals of developing countries: the generation of income, employment and foreign exchange earnings.

Tourism Expenditures and the Export related goods and services generate income to the host Economy and can stimulate the investment necessary to finance growth in other Economic sectors. Government may earn revenue by imposing tax on the popular products demanded by the tourists.

Tourism offers the opportunity of providing jobs for different classes of people and thereby contributing to the alleviation of poverty in developing countries. Tourism generates jobs directly through hotels, restaurants, taxis, souvenir sales and indirectly through the supply of goods and services needed by tourism-related business. In addition Tourism can induce the local government to make infrastructural improvements and also make an important contribution to a country's Balance of Payments (BOP). So Tourism is a powerful engine of growth for many developing countries.

In Singapore, tourism has made a significant contribution to output, employment, and income and overall Balance of Payment. Singapore has unveiled a new tourism blueprint titled "Tourism 21" that is expected .to turn the nation into a world class tourism business center and the tourism capital of the East and Singapore has earned 30000cr taka in the last year.

Malaysia allocated millions of dol1ars for tourism infrastructure in an effort to increase arrivals and receipts to 50000 Cr Taka. The tourism industry is one of the few sectors in which Nepal holds a comparative advantage and the industry has influenced segments of Nepal's economy and social system through the multiplier effect including hotels, restaurants, transport, shopping, entertainment and other allied economic activities. Some 20% of Nepal's

Tourism is now the highest foreign currency generating industry in the Maldives, earning 70% of the country's foreign exchange, 40% of the government revenue and contributing almost 20% to the Gross Domestic Product. The Maldives has also earned the distinction of being recognized by the World Tourism Organization as a model for the sustainable development of tourism.

Although the number of tourist arrivals in Bangladesh has shown an increasing trend over the years, Bangladesh has not been able to reap the full benefits in the tourism sector up to the desired level according to its potentiality. In the year of 2007-2008, approximately 271270 tourists visited Bangladesh and it earned 3967 million taka whereas in 2008-2009 300000 tourists visited Bangladesh contributing more than 4000 million Taka to the domestic economy.

Having realized the importance of tourism's multidimensional effects such as the balance of payments situation, diversification of the economy, expansion of revenues, and generation of employment opportunities directly and indirectly Bangladesh should give top most priority to the Tourism Industry.

Chapter IV

Data Analysis

4.1 Economic Impact

Travel & tourism in 2012Bangladesh's is expected to generate BDT 208 bn (us$2,964 mn) of economic activity (GDP). The industry's direct impact includes: however, since travel & tourism touches all sectors of the economy, its real impact is even greater. Bangladesh's travel & tourism economy directly and indirectly accounts for:

GDP: Bangladesh - The Travel &Tourism Industry is expected to contribute directly 1.6% to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2012 (BDT83.2 bn or US$1,185.4 mn), rising in nominal terms to BDT221.2 bn or US$2,446.1 mn (1.5% of total) by 2018. The T&T Economy contribution (% of total) should rise from 3.9% (BDT208.0 bn or US$2,964.2 mn) to 4.0%

Foreign Exchange Earnings from Tourism & Other Travels

(2001-2010)

                                                                                                                                             (Million Taka)

Month	2001	2002	2003	2004	2005	2006	2007	2008	2009	2010
January	231.80	351.20	184.90	227.80	273.80	297.50	259.00	457.00	450.42	653.71
February	106.50	146.00	224.90	261.60	218.10	260.60	327.00	393.70	502.73	554.11
March	142.60	302.70	255.30	230.90	196.10	336.20	355.90	425.90	468.50	538.94
April	130.50	170.60	207.20	234.00	219.00	312.50	241.10	309.40	335.56	411.62
May	182.90	161.70	172.30	210.70	240.50	282.70	226.30	305.00	347.95	452.02
June	172.20	179.80	182.70	193.10	221.70	313.00	288.00	279.70	301.23	394.96
July	156.70	167.50	167.00	234.80	207.10	267.50	302.30	303.60	296.98	398.14
August	145.20	192.50	182.80	129.30	170.50	251.50	232.00	285.90	354.61	424.16
September	692.80	154.50	179.70	218.10	193.40	245.90	217.30	293.10	334.14	362.29
October	256.10	167.30	196.10	239.40	187.00	205.00	265.10	247.90	332.67	327.95
November	253.20	245.50	280.50	234.50	234.80	277.70	224.20	250.42	324.45	444.50
December	270.90	215.50	218.50	212.80	291.80	262.50	371.80	415.94	444.65	568.25
Total	2741.40	2454.80	2451.90	2627.00	2653.80	3312.60	3310.00	3967.56	4493.89	5530.65
% Change	95.65	-10.45	-0.12	7.14	1.02	24.82	-0.08	19.87	13.27	23.07
Million US$	62.45	52.37	49.95	50.37	47.56	57.21	56.98	66.82	70.01	80.44

            Source: Bangladesh Bank

The following figure shows the trend of foreign exchange earnings from tourism and other travel from the year 2001 to 2010.

The graph shows the upward trends of foreign earnings as time passed. In the year 2001 the contribution of tourism in total GDP was 2,741.40 million. As the time elapses the number of tourist increases as well as total earnings. Though the world economy faces recession from the period 2009, the number of tourist arrival decreases but the foreign earnings increases because of increase of prices of commodities.

Demand: Bangladesh - In 2012, Travel & Tourism is expected to post BDT279.8 bn (US$3,987.6 mn) of economic activity (Total Demand), growing to BDT789.9 bn (US$8,735.2 mn) by 2018.

Growth: Bangladesh - The Travel & Tourism Economy is expected to grow by 5.5% per annum in real terms between 2012 and 2018.

Foreign Visitors Arrival by Months: 2001-2010

Month	2001	2002	2003	2004	2005	2006	2007	2008	2009	2010
January	17,600	14,485	17,663	23,160	25,548	22,193	23,711	23,670	20,213	16,382
February	16,490	19,800	14,022	18,730	20,724	19,041	16,152	25,012	15,848	13,473
March	17,485	17,394	15,323	15,982	20,062	16,506	17,898	24,262	19,853	13,659
April	14,453	18,143	13,730	14,976	19,216	15,299	15,372	23,173	16,234	12,261
May	14,788	13,169	13,432	15,647	15,926	17,996	15,771	14,959	18,535	20,971
June	13,311	12,076	12,484	14,212	16,606	21,867	15,754	23,020	17,496	17,002
July	12,830	12,475	13,688	14,809	15,517	22,957	14,345	26,991	19,773	25,604
August	13,484	11,348	13,016	13,399	16,739	19,041	14,315	21,938	15,292	14,244
September	12,468	9,986	11,529	12,874	11,015	17,968	13,022	19,860	13,166	16,823
October	15,688	15,127	17,126	15,855	13,053	23,498	18,601	21,785	15,568	17,237
November	16,971	13,909	15,388	19,489	15,265	21,028	17,136	27,208	18,399	14,734
December	16,852	14,049	15,380	20,078	17,528	27,115	25,169	19,392	17,285	17,921
Total	182,420	171,961	172,781	199,211	207,199	244,509	207,246	271,270	207,662	200,311
% Change	9.97	-5.73	0.48	15.30	4.01	17.98	0.02	10.94	-23.45	-3.54

            Source: Special Branch

The following diagram shows the number of tourist arrivals from the year 2001 to 2010. The figure depicts upward trend of tourist arrivals. In the year 2007, the political condition was unrest. For that reason the number of tourist arrival decreased significantly. But after the caretaker government, political unrest situation removed and the number of tourist arrivals raise. But due to economic recession from the year 2009 it declines notably again.

Visitors export: Bangladesh - Exports make up a very important share of Travel & Tourism's contribution to GDP. Of Bangladesh's total exports, Travel & Tourism is expected to generate 3.4% (BDT38.1 bn or US$543.7 mn) in 2012, increasing to BDT99.4 bn or US$1,099.3 mn (3.5% of total), in 2018.

Capital investment: Bangladesh - Travel & Tourism Capital Investment is estimated at BDT59.2 bn, US$843.8 mn or 4.5% of total investment in year 2012. By 2018, this should reach BDT186.6 bn, US$2,063.9 mn or 4.4% of total.

Employment: Bangladesh - Travel &Tourism Economy employment is estimated at 2,065,000 jobs in 2012, 3.1% of total employment, or 1 in every 32.0 jobs. By 2018, this should total 2,791,000 jobs, 3.2% of total employment or 1 in every 31.7 jobs. The 801,000 T&T Direct Industry jobs account for 1.2% of total employment in 2007 and are forecast to total 1,035,000 jobs or 1.2% of the total by 2018.

Government: Bangladesh - Government Travel & Tourism operating expenditures in Bangladesh in 2012 are expected to total BDT6.3 bn (US$89.7 mn), or 2.1% of total government spending. In 2018, this spending is forecast to total BDT21.5 bn (US$238.2 mn), or a 2.2% share.

Bangladesh is one such country in South Asia, which is seen as highly prospective for tourism. But potentials in this sector remain largely untapped. This aspect was highlighted at a function that was arranged for the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the Dhaka Sheraton Hotel and the Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh (TOAB) on Friday. Speaking on the occasion, the General Manager of Dhaka Sheraton Hotel said, “Bangladesh can be one of the hottest spots for the international tourists.”

Indeed, what the Sheraton Hotel GM observed in respect of the prospects of tourism in Bangladesh is an objective one. Bangladesh has natural assets unlike many other countries in having the unpolluted longest sea beach in the world, the world’s biggest mangrove forest, its beautiful coral islands, centuries old archaeological sites counted as among the world’s heritages by UNESCO. Costs of living are comparatively cheaper in Bangladesh for foreign tourists and they can also depend on comfortable accommodations and other infrastructures. Depending on these plus points and many others, prospects are good for Bangladesh to flourish as a point of attraction for natural, recreational, historical and cultural tourism. The government and the private sector need to get their acts together and adopt and implement a comprehensive strategy to develop this sector.

Developmental allocations need to be increased officially to set up more infrastructures such as roads, helipads, telecommunication networks and airports in tourist spots. Relying on these, the private sector will then be enthused to set up various facilities in these areas to attract the tourists. Especially resorts can be set up in the coastal islands like in the Maldives to draw foreign tourists in large numbers. The number of the local tourists is also likely to increase from such developmental and expansion activities.

The spin-offs from tourism are multi-faceted. It creates direct and indirect employment in service industries and in the growth of these industries. The spending by foreign tourists can be a big booster for the country’s foreign currency reserve. Considering these factors, the development of this sector merit serious attention. The present interim government is playing an enthusiastic role in different fields. It can similarly direct its attention to give a spur to the development of tourism. This would be counted as a significant positive contribution to the overall economy.

4.2 Problems and Prospects

Despite its poor-country status, increasing numbers of tourists have visited Bangladesh, a new but minor source of foreign exchange earnings. Tourism in the early 1980s amounted to some 49,000 visitors per year, but by 1986 more than 129,000 tourists--mostly from India, the United States, Britain, and Japan--visited Bangladesh. According to the Bangladesh Parjaton Corporation (Bangladesh Tourism Corporation), some Tk44.6 million in foreign exchange was earned in 1986 from the tourism industry.

The Bangladesh government and the Bangladesh Aid Group have taken seriously the idea that Bangladesh is the test case for development. In the late 1980s, it was possible to say, in the somewhat patronizing tone sometimes adopted by representatives of donor organizations, that Bangladesh had generally been a "good performer." Even in straitened times for the industrialized countries, Bangladesh remained a favored country for substantial commitments of new aid resources from a strikingly broad range of donors. The total estimated disbursement for FY 1988 was estimated at US$1.7 billion, an impressive total but just US$16 per capita. Half of that total was for food aid and other commodities of limited significance for economic growth. Even with the greatest imaginable efficiency in planning and administration, resource-poor and overpopulated Bangladesh cannot achieve significant economic improvements on the basis of that level of assistance.

In examining the economy of Bangladesh, wherever one turns the problems crowd in and threaten to overwhelm the analysis. Underlying problems that have threatened the young nation remain unsolved. These problems include overpopulation and inadequate nutrition, health, and education resources; a low standard of living, land scarcity, and vulnerability to natural disaster; virtual absence of valuable metals; and inadequate government and bureaucratic structures. Yet the brief history of independent Bangladesh offers much that is encouraging and satisfying. The World Bank, leader of the Bangladesh Aid Group, described the country in 1987 as a success story for economic development and expressed optimism that the goals of the Third Five-Year Plan, and longer term development goals as well, could be attained. Government policies had been effective in stimulating the economy. The private sector had benefited from an environment of greater economic freedom and had improved performance in banking and production of jute, fertilizer, ready-made garments, and frozen seafood. The average growth rate of economy had been a steady, if unspectacular, 4 percent since the beginning of the 1980s, close to the world average for developing countries.

The picture of day-to-day and even year-to-year performance of the economy of Bangladesh is a mixture of accomplishment and failure, not significantly different from that of the majority of poor Third World countries. The government and people of Bangladesh are entitled to take some pride in the degree of success they have achieved since independence, especially when one contrasts their success with the gloomy forecasts of economists and international experts. The international donor community, led by the World Bank, similarly can be proud of the role it has played in assisting this "largest poorest" nation to become a respected member of the family of nations.

4.3 General Trends in Inbound Tourism

Unfortunately, since its independence in 1971 following a devastating war of liberation, Bangladesh has gotten publicity about negative incidents like natural calamities, cyclones, floods and epidemics, in the international media, and this adversely affected international tourist flows to the country. The trend appears to have continued in recent years. Statistics showing foreign tourist arrivals for ten years to July 1996 is presented in annex table 1. For three consecutive years up to 1995, there has been encouraging annual growth in international tourist arrivals. It is expected that the growth rate would further increase in the coming years. It is also expected that eco-tourists and special interest tourists will increasingly choose Bangladesh as one of their destinations. Tour operators of the country are expected to intensify their efforts to bring in more groups and package tours. In order to develop tourist products, the country has already begun development of a second sea resort at Kuakata, a half-day trip from the Sundarbans, which shows the nationality of tourist arrivals, India is the top tourist generating country for Bangladesh, closely followed by United Kingdom and the United States of America. Trends for in bound tourism from traditional tourist market areas like Germany, France and the Scandinavian countries appear to be positive. Bangladesh can count on a “favored nation” status with respect to tourist arrivals from Japan.

Chapter V

Present Status of Tourism

&

Tourist Spot in Sylhet

5.1 Present Status of Tourism

Tourism today is not confined to a few countries of traditional tourist interest. More and more tourists are now avoiding the over crowded beaten tract and heading for new areas and destinations. This changing behavior and trend in global tourist movement was identified and exploited by many countries by developing their own tourism industry. The tourism industry of Bangladesh has great potentials both as a foreign exchange earner and provider of job opportunities with the resultant multiplier effect on the country’s economy as a whole.

Bangladesh has a host of tourist treasures to offer to international tourists - beaches, lakes, rivers, hills, forests, wildlife, tribal life, archaeological remains, including historical monuments, folklore, religious and cultural heritage, handicrafts and much more. All these combined are enormous tourist products for international tourists, if properly exploited can fetch the country its due share of the ever-expanding world’s tourist trade.

Bangladesh is the land of traditional hospitality and sea-route. The structure of the tourism sector in Bangladesh is predominantly managed by a public sector. Government involvement in the tourism sector is channeled through Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation (BPC), the National Tourism Organization (NTO) which is responsible for the development, promotion, regulation and operation of tourism activities. It was established in the year 1972 with the dual responsibility of development and promotion of tourism in the country and commenced business as a Corporation in January 1973. As a semi-autonomous organization it provides tourism facilities to construct and run hotels, restaurants, operate Duty Free Shops (DFS), transportation and car rental, establish and run tourism training institution. NTO in Bangladesh is primarily a tourism service provider and promoter of tourism product.

5.2 Attempts taken by Bangladesh Government for Tourism Development

The Bangladesh government has taken necessary measures to encourage the private sector to play a positive role in the development and diversification of tourist facilities; and to promote domestic and international tourism in the country. It has declared a National Tourism Policy, recognized tourism as an industry and. a thrust sector in the latest Industrial Policy. Furthermore it is taking appropriate measures to offer incentives to both the local and foreign investors. A National Tourism Council has been set up. In the meantime, a Strategic Master Plan for Tourism for the country has been prepared by the World Tourism Organization (WTO) with the assistance of UNDP. This comprehensive tourism plan has identified our major potential tourist products and types of tourist facilities to be developed in the country. Recently, the Government has taken the initiative to revise and update the Master Plan with the help of international technical assistance for the purpose. The Government had decided to setup and develop Special Tourist zones (STZ) at different potential places of the country to cater to the needs and demands of the foreign tourists. These include Cox’s Bazar, Sundarbans and Kuakata. The Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) comprising three districts: Rangamati, Khagrachari and Bandarban will also be developed as a Tourists Zone.

Tourism facilities at major tourist spots like Dhaka, Cox’s Bazar, Rangamati, Kuakata, Mongla, Teknaf, Sylhet, Rajshahi, Dinajpur, Rangpur, Bogra etc. have been established mainly by Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation (NTO). However, private sector investors are showing keen interest now a day to participate in the tourism sector too.

5.3 Sylhet as a Tourist destination

Sylhet (Sylheti: সিলট Silôţ Bengali: সিলেট Sileţ), previously Shilhat, Sreehatta, and Jalalabad, is a major city in north-eastern Bangladesh. It is the capital of Sylhet Division and Sylhet District. Located on the northern bank of the Surma River and surrounded by the Jaintia, Khasi and Tripura hills, Sylhet is nestled among picturesque tea plantations and lush green tropical forests.

Nestled in the picturesque Surma Valley amidst scenic tea plantations and lush green tropical forests, greater Sylhet is a prime attraction for all tourists visiting Bangladesh. Laying between the Khasia and the Jaintia hills on the north, and the Tripura hills on the south, Sylhet breaks the monotony of the flatness of this land by a multitude of terraced tea gardens, rolling countryside and the exotic flora and fauna. Here the thick tropical forests abound with many species of wildlife, spread their aroma around the typical hearth and homes of the typical health and homes of the Manipuri Tribal maidens famous for their dance.

The Sylhet valley is formed by a beautiful, winding pair of rivers named the Surma and the Kushiara both of which are fed by innumerable hill streams from the north and the south. The valley has good number of haors which are big natural depressions. During winter these haors are vast stretches of green land, but in the rainy season they turn into turbulent seas. 

These haors provide a sanctuary to the millions of migratory birds who fly from Siberia across the Himalayas to avoid the severe cold there. Sylhet has also a very interesting and rich hilstory, Before the conquest by the Muslims, it was ruled by local chieftains. In 1303, the great Saint Hazrat Shah Jalal came to Sylhet from Delhi with a band of 360 disciples to preach islam and defeated the then Raja Gour Gobinda. 

Sylhet thus became a district of saints, shrines and daring but virile people. Its rich potentialities became easily attractive and the 18th century Englishmen made their fortune in tea plantation. About 80 km. from Sylhet town connected by road and rail, Srimangal, which is known as the tea capital of Bangladesh, is the actual tea centre of the area. For miles and miles around, the visitor can see the tea gardens spread like a green carpet over the plain land or on the sloping hills. A visit to the tea plantation in Sylhet is a memorable experience. Sylhet, the tea granary of Bangladesh, not only has over 150 tea gardens but also proudly possesses three largest tea gardens in the world both in area and production.

5.3.1 Sylhet –At a glance

Country	Bangladesh
Administrative District	Sylhet District
Government
- Mayor	Bador Uddin Ahmed Kamran
Area [1]
- City	57.64 km² (22.3 sq mi)
- Urban	31.14 km² (12 sq mi)
- Metro	26.50 km² (10.2 sq mi)
Population (2007)[2][3]
- City	369,425
- Density	5,488/km² (14,213.9/sq mi)
- Urban	53,114
- Urban Density	951/km² (2,463.1/sq mi)
- Metro	339,368
- Metro Density	11,936/km² (30,914.1/sq mi)
Time zone	BST (UTC+6)

5.3.2 History

Historians believe that Sylhet or, as it was known in ancient times, Shilhat was an expanded commercial center from the ancient period, which explains its original namesake. During this time, Sylhet was probably inhabited by Indo-Aryan Brahmins, though ethnically the population would also have traces of Munda, Assamese, and Dravidian ancestry. It has also been suggested that Ancient Kingdom of Harikela was situated in modern Sylhet.

In the ancient and early medieval period, Sylhet was ruled primarily by local chieftains as viceroy of the kings of Pragjyatispur. There is evidence to suggest that the Maharaja Sri Chandra, of northern Bengal, conquered Bengal in the 10th century, although this is a much disputed topic amongst Bangladeshi historians and archaeologists. This was a period of relative prosperity and there is little evidence to suggest this was marred by wars or feuds. Sylhet was certainly known by the rest of India, and is even referred to in the ancient Hindu sacred Tantric text, the Shakti Sangama Tantra, as 'Silhatta'. The last chieftain to reign in Sylhet was Govinda of Gaur, also known as Gaur Govinda.

The 14th century marked the beginning of Islamic influence in Sylhet. A messianic Muslim saint, Hazrat Shah Jalal, arrived in Sylhet in 1303 from Mecca via Delhi and Dhaka (Sonargaon) with the instructions for aiding Sikhander Khan Gazi in defeating Govinda of Gaur . Sikhander Khan Gazi was the direct nephew of sultan Firoz Shah of Delhi. Under the spiritual leadership of Hazrat Shah Jalal and his 360 companions the local pagans were brought under control and they began to spread Islam. He died in Sylhet about the year 1350. His shrine is located inside the parameter of the mosque complex known as Dargah-e-Shah Jalal. Even today Shah Jalal remains revered; visitors arrive from all over Bangladesh and beyond to pay homage.

5.3.3 Geography and Climate

Sylhet is located in north-eastern Bangladesh at 24°32′0″N, 91°52′0″E, on the northern bank of the Surma River.

The physiography of Sylhet comprises mainly of hill soils, encompassing a few large depressions known locally as "beels" which can be mainly classified as oxbow lakes, caused by tectonic subsidence primarily during the earthquake of 1762.

Sylhet experiences a hot, wet and humid tropical climate. The city is within the monsoon climate zone, with annual average highest temperatures of 23°C (Aug-Oct) and average lowest temperature of 7°C (Jan). Nearly 80% of the annual average rainfall of 3,334 mm occurs between May and September

5.3.4 Civic Administration

Sylhet (City) consists of 27 wards and 210 mahallas. The area of the town is 57.64 square km. It has a population of 369425; male 54.68%, female 45.32%; density of population is 11,936 per sq km. Literacy rate among the town people is 66.9%. The rapid growth and expansion of Sylhet occurred during the colonial period. Sylhet Municipality was established in 1878. A devastated earthquake demolished almost the entire town on 12 June 1897. On the wreckage a modern and European model new town was built later on. Many new roads were constructed in late 1890s. Sylhet became really connected to the other parts of the country with the establishment of an extension line of Assam-Bengal Railway in 1912-15. From the very beginning of the 20th century, importance of Sylhet city increased with the establishment of tea industry. In 1950s and 1960s, rapid urbanization took place in the town by the expatriate Syletis and still the process is going on. At present, Sylhet is the district-headquarter as well as the divisional headquarter of the districts of Sunamganj, Habibganj, Moulvibazar and Sylhet.

5.3.5 Land and Economy

The city is noted for its picturesque rolling hills, such as the Jaintia and Khasia hills. Sylhet is also famed for its tea gardens, pineapple gardens and orange gardens most notably those in the Moulvibazaar area.

5.3.6 Demographics & Culture

The Sylheti language (Silôţi or Sileţi) is spoken throughout Sylhet Division, with some minor dialectal variations. Sylheti is an Eastern Indic language closely related to Bengali (Bangla), Chittagonian and Assamese (Ôxômiya) languages. Most Sylhetis are at least bilingual to some degree, as they are taught Bengali at all levels of education in Bangladesh. Sylheti is also the dominant dialect of Bengali among the inhabitants of the Barak Valley in India, centered around Cachar district in Assam. The largest Sylheti-dominated city in India is Silchar, with significant Sylheti-speaking populations in Agartala, Delhi, Guwahati, Mumbai, Shillong and Kolkata.

Sylhet is the home of most Bangladeshi migrants to the United Kingdom and the rest of the world. Certain parts of the United Kingdom are heavily populated with people from Sylhet, most notably the East End of London, especially the boroughs of Newham Camden Redbridge and Tower Hamlets, which includes Brick Lane, a famous street dubbed "Banglatown" for its large Bangladeshi, almost entirely Sylheti, population. The town of Sylhet is twinned with St Albans, United Kingdom.

Another area where Sylhetis have remained as a large group abroad is New York City in the United States. Although there are many of them living in Manhattan and Brooklyn, Sylhetis are mostly found in the borough of Queens. Most of them live in areas like Astoria, Long Island City, and Jackson Heights. Hillside Avenue in Jamaica, Queens has seen a tremendous amount of newly opened Bangladeshi restaurants mainly by Sylhetis and a great influx of such residents attracted by the real estate boom there.

As so many Sylhetis are resident abroad, Sylhet has a major flow of foreign currency from non-resident Bangladeshis; many Sylheti families' sole source of income comes from relatives abroad and this attracts influx migrant workers and families from other parts of Bangladesh, earning livings by peddling rickshows, working as servants and peasants, particularly people from Comilla, Noakhali, Mymensingh and Barisal are found lower denomination jobs in Sylhet.

Given its unique cultural and economic development, and linguistic differences (Greater Sylhet region was a part of Assam and Surma Valley State for much of the British Raj in comparison to the rest of Bangladesh), and given that Sylhet has, for most of its recent history, been a region of a larger entity (ie, Assam, Bengal, Bangladesh), Sylheti's have a strong attachment to their regional and religious identity.

Many Sylhetis regard themselves as fiercely proud of their own language, family-orientated community culture and conservative practice of Islam, but it must be remembered that not all Sylhetis are Muslim. Indian Sylhetis are either Hindu or Christian. Hasan Raja, a Sylheti cultural icon, was depicted in a film as a lecherous fellow who forsakes his family and uses obscene language. Enraged Sylhetis took the makers of the film to court. Adding insult to injury, the film was also shot in Bengali rather than Hason Raja's native Sylheti language. Although Hason Raja was a practicing Muslim, he is revered even by Hindu and Christian Sylhetis.

Sylheti attachment to their regional identity also continues in the efforts of many Sylhetis to keep marital relationships within the same regional cultural background.

5.3.7 Transport

Cycle rickshaws, auto rickshaws, busses, mini-buses and cars are the main mode of transport for the inhabitants of the city, with close to 80,000 rickshaws running each day.Sylhet is well connected by highways and railway links to Chittagong, Dhaka as well as other parts of Sylhet. Highway links to the India have been established though Asian highway.The Sylhet Railway Station is the main railway station providing trains on national routes operated by the state-run Bangladesh Railway.The city of Sylhet is served by Osmani International Airport. It is Bangladesh's third busiest airport and has flight services to Abu Dhabi, Dhaka, Doha, Dubai, Kuwait, and London. Work started in 2006 to upgrade the airport to international standards including a new terminal building, a jetway, a taxiway, and a new expansion project of the runway to allow for landing of wide-bodied aircraft.

5.3.8 Places of Interest

Sylhet has a number of interesting places to attract tourists. Sylhet is a major destination for tourists. Some important places are listed here.

Historical:

1. Kean Bridge & Watch Of Ali Amjad

2. Shahi Eidgah

3. Gour Gobinda Fort

4. Raynogor Rajbari

5. Manipuri Rajbari (Medical Road)

6. Palace Of Jamindar Prosanna Takur

7. Shrines & Masjid

8. The Shrine of Hazrat Shah Jalal

9. The Shrine of Hajrat Shah Paran

10. The Shrine of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu(medival Hindu spiritual leader.)

11. The Shrine of Gazi Burhanuddin

12. The Shrine of Shah Shundor

13. The Shrine of Chasni Pir

14. Manik Pir Tilla (The Shrine of Manik pir)

15. The Shrine of Shah Taiab Coylani (Museum)

16. Osmani Museum

17. Museum of Raja's

 Natural:

1. MadhavKunda Waterfall

2. Jaflong

3. Tilagorh Eco Park (Alutol)

4. Lakkatura,Malnichara & Tarapur Tea Estates.

5. Parjatan Corporation,Sylhet.(Resort)

6. Kanishile River Bank

7. Bholaganj

8. Tangua Haor

9. Hakaluki Haor

10. Lawachhara:

 Urban:

1. Shahjalal University of Science and Technology

2. Sylhet Engineering College

3. M C College.

4. Dream Land (Theme Park)

5. Adventure World (Amusement Park)

6. ZAK Estate (Park and Resort)

7. Osmani Shishu Udyan (Park)

8. Shindabad (Al Hamra Market)

5.3.9 Brief Description of Tourist Attractions in Sylhet

Home of Tea gardens

Nestled in the picturesque Surma Valley amidst scenic tea plantations and lush green tropical forests, greater Sylhet is a primeattraction for all tourists visiting Bangladesh. Lying between the Khasia and the Jaintia hills on the north, and the Tripura hills on the south, Sylhet breaks the monotony of the flatness of this land by a multitude of terraced tea gardens rolling countryside and the exotic flora and fauna. Here the thick tropical forests abound with many species of wild life, scented orange groves and luxuriant pineapple plantations spread their aroma around the typical hearth and homes of the Manipuri Tribal maidens famous for their dance.

The Sylhet valley is formed by a beautiful, winding pair of rivers named the Surma and the Kushiara both of which are fed by innumerable hill streams from the north and the south. The valley has good number of hoers which are big natural depressions. During winter these haors are vast stretches of green land, but in the rainy season they turn into a turbulent sea. These hoars provide a sanctuary to the millions of migratory birds who fly from across the Himalayas to avoid the severe cold of Siberia.

Sylhet has also a very interesting and rich history. Before the conquest by the Muslims, it was ruled by local chieftains. In 1303, the great Saint Hazrat Shah Jalal came to Sylhet from Delhi with a band of 360 disciples to preach Islam and defeated the then Raja Gour Gobinda. Sylhet thus became a district of saints, shrines and daring but virile people.

Its rich potentialities became easily attractive and the 18th century Englishmen made their fortune in tea plantation. About 80 km. from Sylhet town connected by road and rail, Srimangal, which is known as the tea capital of Bangladesh, is the actual tea centre of the area. For miles and miles around, the visitor can see the tea gardens spread like a green carpet over the plain land or on the sloping hills. A visit to the tea plantation in Sylhet is a memorable experience. Sylhet, the tea granary of Bangladesh, not only has over 150 tea gardens but also proudly possesses the three largest tea gardens in the world both in area and production.

The Shrine of Hazrat Shah Jalal:

Among the several places of historical interest in Sylhet town is the shrine of SaintHazrat Shah Jalal. Even today, more than six hundred years after his death, the shrine is visited by innumerable devotees of every caste and creed, who make the journey from far away places. Legend says, the great saint who came from Delhi to preach Islam and defeated the then Hindu Raja (king) Gour Gobinda, transformed the witchcraft followers of the Raja into catfishes which are still alive in the tank adjacent to the shrine Swords, the holy Quran and the robes of the holy saint are still preserved in the shrine.

Hairpur Gas Field and other spots:

Only 5 km. from Jaintiapur is Jaflong, a scenic spot amidst tea gardens. At about 35 km. north-west of Sylhet town, linked by rail road and river is Chhatak, the seat of Assam Bengal Cement Factory. Chhatak is famous for orange gardens.

Tamabil-Jaflong:

Situated amidst splendid panorama, Tamabil is a border outpost on Sylhet-Shilong Road about 55 km. away from Sylhet town. Besides enchanting views of the area one can also have a glimpse of the waterfalls across the border from Tamabil. Jaflong is also a scenic spot nearby amidst tea gardens and rate beauty of rolling stones from hills.

Manipuri Dance:

An interesting feature of Sylhet region is the aboriginal tribes such as the Tipperas, the Monipuris, Khasis and Garos who still live in their primitive ways in the hills, practising their age-old rites, rituals, customs and traditions. During festivals such as, Rash Leela (Full-moon night in February) and Doljatra, the attractive young girls dressed in colorful robes, dance with the male members of their choice & love. The Monipuris perform their famous dance, based on allegorical love themes of the ancient mythology.

Handicrafts:

 Sylhet is well-known for its wide variety of exquisite handicrafts. Well-known Sylhet cane products such as chair, table, tea trays, flower vases, bags and the exquisitely designed fine Sital Pati (a kind of mattress having natural cooling effect) are colorful souvenirs.

Temple of Sri Chaitannya Dev:

About 500 years old famous temple of Sri Chaitanya Dev is located at Dhaka Dakhin about 45 km south-east from Sylhet town. The place is revered from being the ancestral home of the famous Vaishnava saint. Yearly fair is organized on the full moon day of the Bangla month Falgun. Hundreds and thousands of devotees from home and abroad attend this colorful fair.

Shahi Edgah:

Three kilometers to the north-east of the circuit house, the Shahi Eidgah was built on a hill by the Mughal Emperor Aurangazeb in the 17th century. It looks like a grade fort but is actually meant for Eid congregation-the two biggest Muslim festivals.

Gour Gobinda Fort:

The Murarichand Government College is situated in a beautiful surrounding on a hillttop. To the north-west of the college lie the remains of King Gour Govinda’s fort.

 Jaintiapur:

Situated 43 km. to the north of Sylhet town, on the Sylhet- Shillong road, Jaintiapur was the capital of an ancient kingdom which included the khasi and Jaintia Hills and plains of Jainta. Interesting ruins of this forgotten period lie scattered throughout Jaintiapur. A drive to Jaintiapur is an interesting and worthwhile experience.

Bholaganj:

This is on border area passing through a river near Companyganj. This place provides an eye-soothing view of Indian Meghalaya hill in the northern side, emanates the murmuring sound of the Douki river and allures the visitors. Migratory birds, natural beauties and stone collection enrich the significance of Bholaganj.

Laurer Garh:

The kingdom of Jaintia was split up three distinct principalities known as Jaintia, Gaur and Laur which roughly speaking corresponded respectively to present (i) Jaintia Hills and Jaintia Parganas (ii) and part of Moulivibazar and Habiganj subdivision and iii) Laur Hill, entire of Sunamganj and part of Habiganj subdivision.

Lawachhara:

This is the second largest artificial reservoir of bio-diversity on 1250 ha area, was planted in 1922 by the British rulers. Over the period, it has become an abode of rich bio-diversity and now it turned to Lawachhara National Park. The forest is endowed with 300 species of birds, 64 species of animals and 30 species of plants. Hundred avian species are great feasts for the eyes of the bird watchers. It is 160 km northwest of Dhaka and 60 km south of Sylhet, and 7 km north-east from Srimongal – well connected by rail and road from other places of the country.

Tangua Haor:

Tangua Haor is an ecologically rich wetland located in the north-eastern part of Bangladesh. It lies within Sunamganj district extending over a vast area in Dharmapasha and Tahirpur upazilas. On the northern side of the haor (wetland) basin, lies the Indian state of Meghalaya. The haor consists of 120 beels (swamps) of various sizes. The area of Tangua Haor including 46 villages within the haor area is about 100 sq. km of which 2802.36 hectres are wetland. It harbours about 200 species of aquatic plants, 11 amphibians and 39 reptiles and many other aquatic species. Besides, a number of plant species are sporadically found all over the haor area. The haor, which is fed by rainwater, is only 20 km away from the hills of Cherrapunji in India, which records the world's highest rainfall.

The haor is an ideal place for the migratory birds. Every winter aabout 200 species of migratory birds in their million fly in to this haor and make their temporary habitat here. One of the notables among them is the globally threatened Haliaeetus leucoryphus. Other rare bird species include prinia burnesili, pellorneum palustre, Chaetornis Striatus, Falco Peregrinus, Platalea Leucorodia and Sarkidirnis melanotos.

Tangua Haor is of special values as breeding and spawning area for many fish species. A total of 135 fish species have been recorded, including 15 species listed as critically endangered in Bangladesh. Bagarius bagarius, Clupisoma garua, Crosso Cheilus latis, Ctenops etc.

Hakaluki Haor:

Hakaluki Haor is the largest haor of the country, which lies partly under Moulvibazar and Sylhet districts Areas. Its area is 181.15 sq km, of which 72.46 sq km (40.01%) is in Moulvibazar District. This Haor is very attractive while water waves to the brim.

Srimongol:

Srimongal is famous for the largest tea gardens of world covered by lush green carpet. One can have a look into the spectacular tea processing at Tea Research Institute. Bangladesh produces and exports a large quantity of high quality tea every year. Most of the tea estates are in Sremongol. It is called "The land of two leaves and a bud". It is also called camellia, green carpet or Tea Mountain. There are a lot of tea estates including the largest one in the world. The terraced tea garden, pineapple, rubber and lemon plantations from a beautiful landscape. It is known as the tea capital in Bangladesh. Just offer entering into the tea estates the nice smells and green beauty will lead you many kilometers away.

Pineapple cultivation in numerable rows of Pineapple cultivation covering largest area is very amazing and fascinating. Largest quantity of pineapple grown here of Bangladesh. It is also sweetest and best quality. Pineapple is really a greatest offer of summer but now it is cultivated all the year round. So, you can enjoy the juicy summer fruit in any time coming to its real field. Just after entering into pineapple plantation. It can be highlight for you in Sremongol.

Madhabkunda:

 Madhabkunda surrounded by lush tea estates and full of waters lilies is a unique one. Magurchara ruined gas & Oil reserved field, which was blasted while digging 3 years ago and was burning an 500-feet height for more than 3 months. A lot of burnt trees now carrying the symbols of digester. Ever where a lot of rubber & lemon plantation form a beautiful landscape. And you can have a visit to Madhobkundo water fall.

Sylhet stadium:

Sylhet Stadium is the only Stadium for all Sports activity. Another new Stadium is about to build by the new Surma bridge, Unfortunately some people, who has connection to the upper level discouraging the allocated area and trying to grab the land for their sake. This new Stadium is very necessary for the economic and sports development for our Sylheti people. So we hope the new Sylhet Stadium should be completed as soon as possible.

Shahjalal University of Science & Technology:

After a long desire the Shahjalal University of Science & Technology was initiated in 1987. It started its career on 14th February 1991 with three departments: Physics, Chemistry and Economics. 13 teachers and 205 students. At the end of 1996. It has expanded to seven faculties : School of Physical Sciences, School of Applied Sciences & Technology, School of Social Sciences, School of Agriculture & Mineral Sciences, School of Management & Business Administration, School of Medical Sciences and School of Life Sciences. Now there are 25 departments under these three faculties and more subjects are under process to open from the next session.

Attractions in Sylhet Sadar and contiguous area

The Shrine of Hazrat Shah Jalal (R), The Shrine of Hajrat Shah Paran (R), Shahi Eidgah, Gour Gobinda Fort, Kean Bridge & Watch of Ali Amjad, Rampasha, Biswanath (Home of Mystic Poet Hason Raja & Eklimur Raja), Sree Chaitanya Mandir, Jainta Rajbari Museum, Osmani Museum, Museum of Raja (Mystic Poet Hason Raja & Folk Museum), Tilagorh Eco-Park (Alutol), Lakkatura, Malnichara & Tarapur Tea Estates, Parjatan Corporation Sylhet (Resort), Jaflong, Tamabil & Sripur, Bholaganj, Dream Land (Theme Park), Adventure World (Amusement Park), ZAK Estate, Osmani Shishu Udyan, Monipuri Para, Handicraft, Shitol Pati, etc.

5.4 Exposing the Current Spots in a Different Fashion

There are many attractive destinations in Sylhet which can be and are utilizing in a significant and meaningful way. However, let us take some sample spots in which we can add some feature to create it more utility. For example:

Kean Bridge:

Hanging over on the river of Surma is a bridge, made of iron and steel looked like a bow is gateway to Sylhet. The length of the bridge is 1150 feet and breadth is 18 feet, this bridge had been built during 1936. It named after Micheal Kean, the then, English Governor. About Taka 56 lac had been spent to build the bridge.

Ali Amzad Historical watch:

Standing over the keanbridge, if anybody peers down will catch the sight of Ali Amzad clock. It is said that, Ali Amzad, the famous Zamidar of Pritrimpasa was invited to see Delhi and thereby charmed by the clock made with the instigation of the princess of Delhi. He also craved to build the same and eventually made it with the similar design & pattern. It’s now called Ali Amzad watch garh located at chadnighat, sylhet.

Recommendations:

• Introducing Boating Facilities
• Lunching Floating restaurant
• Making tourist friendly environment
• Regular and sincere supervision by the Sylhet city corporation
• Need to start information and souvenir centre at the spot area

Shrine of Hazrat Shah Jalal

The town of Sylhet is very popular with tourists, as it is located on the banks of the Surma River and is surrounded by breathtaking lush forests, abundant wildlife, fragrant fruit tree groves and endless tea plantations. It is a small piece of paradise in Bangladesh, hidden between the rolling green hills of Tripura, Jainitia and Khasi. It is the ideal location to escape to, to experience Bangladesh at its best. Over and above the picturesque wonder of the landscape and terraced gardens found in the town, there are many attractions for visitors to explore, and amongst the religious attractions, the Shrine of Hazrat Shah Jalal is probably the most sacred.

The Shrine of Hazrat Shah Jalal has become a place of pilgrimage for hundreds of devotees who come to the shrine in their droves from all over the country. It has been six hundred years since Hazrat Shah Jalal was laid to rest, but his memory and a love for him has been passed down from generation to generation, and he is as admired today as he was when he was still alive.

The exact date of birth and death of Hazrat Shah Jalal is unknown, however some believe that he was born in 1271 and others have suggested that he passed away in 1347. But what is known for certain is that Hazrat Shah Jalal was born Shaikh Makhdum Jalal ad-Deen bin Mohammed. He received his education in Mecca and memorized the Qur’an, making him a Hafiz. He also studied for thirty years to achieve spiritual perfection. It is said his respect for the Muslin religion led to him establishing and preaching Islam in Sylhet region. He remained a bachelor for his entire life and had no dependants, devoting him to religion and assisting others.

Hazrat Shah Jalal was buried in Sylhet and his tomb attracts visitors every day. His robes and sword are preserved within the mosque, but these sacred artifacts are not on display to the public. The guardians of the shrine decide who may enter to view the tomb, and sometimes visitors are turned away if the guardians feel that they are dressed inappropriately, or for other reasons, as the tomb is viewed as a place of respect and admiration, not as one of the town’s tourist attractions. Visitors who are allowed to enter are advised to treat this privilege as a great honor. In the evenings, the tomb is illuminated by candles and outside visitors will find a massive pond filled with catfish and a separate tank with gold fish, both of which are considered sacred. Not far from the Shrine of Hazrat Shah Jalal, is the Shrine of Hazrat Shah Paran, who is believed to be Hazrat Shah Jalal’s nephew.

Sylhet is a town filled with tradition, culture and folklore, and the Shrine of Hazrat Shah Jalal is definitely worth the visit. Learning about Jalal’s struggles and the history of this region, which are entwined, is a very rewarding experience.

Recommendations:

# Making tourist friendly environment

# Setting up display of various emblems that is used by Hajrat Shahjalal (RmJ.For example-  Brief  history of Hazrzt Shahjalaj(RmJ footwear (khorom),Sword etc.where entrance fee could be charged for the viewers.

# Development work needed to the surrounding of pond area where mysterious fish (local name-Gojar fish) are situated and to the area where huge pot (Local name-Deg) are located.

# Entrance and exit area should be separated.

Manipuri Culture:

Manipuri, The one of the many ethnic communities in Bangladesh`Manipuri culture has a rich and colourful tradition. Dance and music play a vital role in the life span of Manipuri people. The most flourishing branch of Manipuri culture is dance. The Manipuri synonym of dance is jagoi and in this dance, body movements create either circle or ellipse. Rasa dance is the finest product of Manipuri culture- an interesting feature of Sylhet region is the aboriginal tribes such as the Tipperas, the Monipuris, Khasis and Garos who still live in their primitive ways in the hills, practicing their age-old rites, rituals, customs and traditions. During festivals such as, Rash LeeIa (Full-moon night in February) and Doljatra, the attractive young girls dressed in colourful robes, dance with the male members of their choice & love.

Recommendations:

# There should be some place where different Manipuri handicrafts are made and displayed, presentation of food item etc. that can be viewed and purchased easily by the visitors.

#There should be arrangement of performing shows( Monipuri Dance) at a certain time (Daily or Weekly basis) through which Manipuri dance, Theater of   usual culture  can be displayed for enjoying the program  where applicable fees can be charged to the visitors.

Tea Garden:

For miles and miles around, the visitor can see the teagardens spread like a green carpet over the plain land or on the sloping hills. A visit to the tea plantation in Sylhet is a memorable experience. Sylhet, the tea granary of Bangladesh, not only has over 150 tea gardens but also proudly possesses three largest tea gardens in the world in both area and production.

Recommendations:

#There should be some arrangement facilities of visiting the tea garden area, The bud plucking activities, the manufacturing place, Managers Bungalow, life style of tea labors etc.

#To enjoy  this facilities applicable charge can be applied through the negotiation of tea planter and tour operator company.

5.5  Results

Sylhet district is rich with wonderful natural beauty and its typical culture made it exclusive attraction for the tourist.

In Sylhet city there are many spots that allure visitors to visit those areas. But due to lack of proper management and absence of care we are failing to earn the desired return. At present, actual earning is far behind than the expected estimates. The following drawbacks have found for which we are unable to get our expected visitors as well as desired return:

• Spots are not well organized to expose for marketing purpose.
• Lack of tourist friendly environment.
• Law and order situation of is not in favor of a visitor.
• Lack of proper tour Operator Company, chain rent a car, trained tour guide etc.
• Lack of ancillaries facilities like ISD phone, fax, internet etc.
• Lack of taking more initiative from private sector.
• Government initiatives are not implementing as needed.
• Lack of patriotism in our country’s people.
• Presence of floating people, beggar and fear of hijacking.
• Lack of   professional tour guides, tourist Bus, Taxies etc.
• Due to low literacy rate of general people, they cannot communicate with the domestic and foreign tourists significantly. So, the tourists felt discourage to visit repeatedly to the tourist spots.
• Presently, specialized formal education like bachelor's degree, under graduate degree or postgraduate degrees are not available in universities of Bangladesh on tourism.
• Tourists are virtually unknown; developing countries like Bangladesh and             are concerned about food, disease, infection, inconvenience, language barriers, safety and security and so on.
• Lack of proper tourism management plan and their implementation.
• Lack of special arrangement for the foreign tourists.
• Visa facilities are not good and lack of on arrival visa.
• Lack of proper planning for long run.
•  Lack of efficient tourism manpower.
• Insufficient government and private sector involvement

Chapter VI

SWOT Analysis

SWOT Analysis

On

The Possibility of Investment Return from the Tourist Spot

( Sample spot –Tea Garden)

Table1:

Internal Strategic Factors	Weight	Rating	Weighted Score	Comments
Strengths: To see the charming beauty of tea garden Plucking activities of ‘Two leave and a bud’ Hilly area with scenic beauty To experience the manufacturing process To see the life if tribal people To visualize the bungalow of the Manager Total score: Weaknesses: Need permission to seethe manufacturing process and inside the tea garden Plucking time is fixed To see the tribal people is sometime troubling Lack of tourist friendly environment Total score:	0.30 0.10 0.20 0.20 0.10 0.10 1.00 0.30 0.20 0.20 0.30 1.00	5 3 3 4 2 2 4 3 2 3	1.50 0.30 0.60 0.80 0.20 0.20 3.60 1.20 0.60 0.40 0.90 3.10	●Prime reason for visiting the spot ●Have hidden desire to see ●Excellent view for nature lovers ●Learning for practical knowledge ●To see something extraordinary ●It is also another attraction ●Vital reason for the visitors ●people cannot match with time ●Visitors some fall in odd situation ●Another vital reason for visiting a place

Table2:

External strategic factors	Weight	Rating	Weighted score	Comments
Opportunities: Communication is well Accommodation facilities in Sylhet is excellent Not far from Sylhet town Travel to and from Sylhet is available by Air, Bus and Train Sylhet has its own culture Total score: Threats: Law and order situation is not favorable for tourist environment Spots are not properly organized for the visitors Lack of proper information and advertisement Total score:	0.30 0.20 0.10 0.30 0.10 1.00 0.40 0.30 0.30 1.00	5 4 3 3 3 4 3 3	1.50 0.80 0.30 0.90 0.30 3.80 1.60 0.90 0.90 3.40	●Allow visitors to move ●Feel comfort to stay in ●Good reason to visit ●Face easy communication ●Creates more interest ●Make negative impact in the mind of tourist ●Feels uncomfortable in the process of experiencing ●Annoyed the visitors and feel inconvenience

Calculation

Strengths + Opportunities = 3.6+3.8 = 7.4

Weaknesses + Threats        = 3.1+3.4 = 6.5

 We get,    Strengths + Opportunities > Threats + Weaknesses

Decision

Thus we see strengths and opportunities are higher than the weaknesses and threats. So it can be said that taking initiative for the investment to this spot as tourist attraction destination will be profitable.

Chapter VII

Recommendations

And

Conclusion

7.1 Recommendations

Tourism is a multi-dimensional industry. For the development of this industry, it is essential to have effective coordination of. national planning (Planning Commission); Capital investment (Finance Division & Banks); arrangement of economic resources and technical assistance (Economic Relations Division); physical infrastructural facilities development (Road and Road Transport Division, Railway - Division, Ministry of Post and Telecommunications, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Ministry of Works)'; preservation of historical and archaeological monuments and sites, patronage to fine arts and crafts (Ministry of Cultural Affairs); simplification of entry-exit regulations for foreigners (Ministry of Home Affairs, National Board of Revenue and Bangladesh Bank); development of the handicrafts industry (Ministry of Industries); conservation of forests and wildlife (Ministry of Environment and Forest); improvement of transfer arrangements for air passengers (Civil Aviation Authority); external publicity and marketing (Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation, Ministry of Information, Bangladesh Biman, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Export Promotion (Bureau); traveling through waterways (Ministry of Shipping).

Besides it is essential to construct hotels and motels, create recreational facilities, make arrangements for suitable types of transport for the movement of tourist groups (Package Tour). 

The following tourist facilities to be created in the respective tourism zone to generate market potential of the spots:

·         Bangladesh should brand itself globally to expose it as a unique name in tourism (Such as-‘Truly Malaysia’, ‘Incredible India’ etc.)

·         Should take necessary action by the government to set up and develop special tourism zone (STZ) for Sylhet including its all tourist spots.

·         Have to implement the policy taken by the Bangladesh Government and Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation (BPC) / National Tourism Organization (NTO).

·         Need a huge amount of investment by the private sector to set up the infrastructure of tourist destinations.

·         Should follow the tourism policy of the other successful countries (for eg.India, Thailand, Malaysia, Nepal, Singapore, China etc.) which are earning a lot from this sector.

·         Have to establish tourist friendly environment and law and order situation of the country should in favor of tourists.

·         Establishing tourist information centre and Souvenir shop.

·         Arranging better accommodation and restaurant facilities.

·         Need better and chain rent- a-car service.

·         Introducing more meet and greet service.

·         Need more organized Tour Operator Company.

·         Need to set up ancillaries facilities like Money changer, ISD phone Service, Fax, Internet etc.

·         Tourism shall be considered as an industry of due priority, and this will be appropriately reflected in the annual/five-year plans and development partners shall be apprised of this accordingly.

·         Provision has to be made for special allocation in the annual/five-year plans for the coordinated development of physical infrastructures by, giving- priority to development of roads and other communication systems to tourist attractions of the country.

·         The negative image has to be addressed by the Bangladesh Parajatan Corporation by participating in international fairs, seminars and workshops and also through advertising and publicity campaigns.

·         Some facilities for modern recreation may be provided in a limited way. Some special areas/places/sites or islands may be earmarked and developed for foreigners only.

·         Natural, historical and religious attractions of Bangladesh will be nicely projected to the foreign tourists. Presentation of our own culture and way of life will be given precedence.

·         Overall Communications Tools:

The following communication tools should follow to provide information and make liaison with the tourists.

Tool	Recommendations For Use
Website	• Should represent Sylhet as a visitor destination and provide valuable information for consumers. It should also be easy-to-use for trip planning. • Should cover information of interest to residents and locals as well as out-of-towners. All other communication tools should drive people to the website. • Should be a portal to websites of umbrella organizations that promote tourism, such as Sylhet.net, the City of Sylhet, Chamber of Commerce, Sylhet Downtown on the Lake, The Arts Gallery Association and nonprofits such as Sylhet Arts Center, Sylhet Performance Center and the Heritage Society. • Will be highly graphic and easy to use. • Will focus on the needs of the consumer. • Name site sample: www.visitSylhet.org.
E-mail	• Should be used for internal communications. • Will be used for highly targeted consumer • Communications. • Should be used to survey consumers. • Should be used to survey stakeholders • Messages will be brief and link people to the website where more information is available.
Faxes	• Should be used only for high-priority items, i.e., when immediate action is needed on urgent issues. •Should clearly articulate the action and desired response for the tourism task force or stakeholders.
Tourism Forums	• Means to stay informed both internally and through knowledge/skills building. • Open to all Sylhet tourism stakeholders •Held quarterly. Half or full day with box lunch.
Press Kit	• Should articulate Sylhet as a visitor destination in both print and electronic pieces. • Should be distributed to media mailing list and as new press prospects arise. • Should be updated to reflect new products and activities. • Should be organized by activity/lifestyle theme. • Should be designed to reflect Sylhet’s branding.
Brochures (In general)	• Should be image-driven and reflect visitor experiences and opportunities in Sylhet. Should be designed to reflect Sylhet branding. • Should have colorful photos and include web address. • Mailed as needed to fulfill visitor inquiries.
Shopping Guide	• Should have a listing and description of Sylhet’s retail stores that have products and services of value to the visitor. • Should reflect Sylhet branding. •Ad sales on left side of booklet will underwrite costs.
Restaurant Guide	• Should have a listing and description of Sylhet’s restaurants. • Should reflect Sylhet branding. •Ad sales on left side of booklet will underwrite costs.
Media Relations	• Press should be cultivated to spread visitor and local messages. • Will need a printed Press Kit and website Press Room that responds both to the overall messages and to time sensitive items, such as events. • Campaign should be planned to launch the Sylhet Tourism branding and website. • Press tours should be conducted periodically. • Connect with Regional Partner itineraries. • Offer individualized itineraries. • Partner with hotels/restaurants/tour operators for comped overnight stays, dining, cruises. etc. • Provide “behind the scenes” experiences.
Tourism Product and Promotions	• Should be provided or produced by other entities and marketed by the Sylhet Tourism Program.

7.2 Conclusion

Bangladesh is one of the fewest countries in South Asia, which remains to be explored. Bangladesh has a delicate and distinctive attraction of its own to offer and it is definitely not a tourist haunt like Nepal or India. Bangladesh is like a painter's dream come true with a rich tapestry of colors and texture. The traditional emphasis of the tourist trade has always been on the material facilities offered by a country rather than on its actual charms. This may be a reason why Bangladesh has seldom been highlighted in the World's tourist maps.

It's a land of enormous beauty, hundreds of serpentine rivers, crystal clear water lakes surrounded by ever green hills, luxuriant tropical rain forests, beautiful cascades of green tea gardens, world's largest mangrove forest preserved as World Heritage, home of the Royal Bengal Tiger and the wild lives, warbling of birds in green trees, wind in the paddy fields, abundance of sunshine, world's longest natural sea beach, rich cultural heritage, relics of ancient Buddhist civilizations and colorful tribal lives, - Bangladesh creates an unforgettable impression of a land of peace.

One will appreciate our culture and the environment. These are not simply sight-seeing excursions, but real-time learning experiences. One can enjoy an ideal blend of adventure and exploration with comfort and relaxation. Here you find that you are not alone with us, any place in Bangladesh is a home away from home.

Appendix

Questionnaire:

Topic: Tourism Industry – The Next Driving Sector of Bangladesh Economy: A Study in Sylhet

Name of the respondent:

Profession:

Question 01: According to your opinion what are the popular/Major tourist destination around Sylhet city that can be marketed as a source of generating revenue in our country’s economy?

□Tea Garden

□Shrine of Hazrat Shahjalal(Rm:) 

□Keanbridge&Ali

□Amjad Watch/Manipuri culture/

Quetion02: How can we develop Kean bridge site to attract more visitors from both home and abroad:

□ Arrange boating for short distance to see the riverine life

□ Establishing floating restaurant

□ Adding garden and beauty trees

□ Making tourist friendly environment

Question 03: Do you feel these arrangements will attract the tourist?

□Yes                                                   □ No

Question 04: Do you think these implementation will make expected earning?

 □ Yes                                                 □ No

Question05: What sort of investment is needed to fulfill these arrangements?

            □Private sector investment              □Public sector (BPC) investment

Question 06: will private investors step forward to establish these projects?

            □Yes                                                   □No

Bibliography

Books:

● Mahmood, Kalam. Meet Bangladesh,Third Edition, Department of film & Publication, 1987.

● Murary, John. Bangladesh-A travel survival Kit, Lonely Planet Publication,1991.

● Aziz, Mohammed. Rahman, Mohammed Habibur. Boshor, Mohammed Abul. History of Greater Sylhet, Boipotro Prokashana, 2006.

● Ahmed, Sharif Uddin. Sylheter Itihas O Oitizyo, Bangladesh Itihas Somitee, 1999.

● Hoque, Shahidul Ahmed. Bangladesh Travel Guide, Chokku Melia Prokashana, 2003.

● Ahmed, Shaheen. Rahman, Mizan. Sylhet Division Travel Guide, S M Communication, 2008.

Articles:

 ● Amin, Sakib-Din. The role of tourism in Bangladesh economy, 2006.

● Siddiqi, Raquib.  public private sector partnership essential in the development of tourism,  Dhaka Travel Mart 2005, 2005.

● Khandakar, Adnan. Investigates the tourism industry of Bangladesh and finds out what is holding it back, New Age, 2005.

● Shamsuddoha, Mohammad. Hossain, Md. A., Shahriar, Shams E. S. and Chakraborty.Sustainability of tourism industry-Bangladesh prespective, Intelligent Organization: A Roadmap to Success, February 2004. 

● Kang, Siew Kheng. Bangladesh holds scope to become attractive tourist destination, Star business report, The Daily Star,October 2007.

●  Islam, Md. Wasiul. Promoting tourism in Bangladesh, The New Nation, Internet Edition, November 2008.

 Editorial Page

● The New Nation, Turn BPC into self governed to draw foreign tourists:

Government urged at round table conference, Internet Edition, Jun2008.

Websites

www.discoverbangladesh.com

www.bangladeshtourism.gov.bd

www.bangladeshinfo.com

www.bangladeshembassy.com.cn

www.tripadvisor.com

www.bdonline.com/tourism/spots/sylhet.htm

www.bangla2000.com/bbs/bulletin

www.sylhet-travel-guide.html

www.informationbd.com/travels/sylhet.aspx