Ecotourism in Bangladesh : Investment and Development Contexts

The importance of ecotourism is a rapidly increasing in Bangladesh as the country has natural wonders, panoramic hills, valleys, forests, beaches, lakes, rivers, reserves of glorious creatures etc. These ideally have positioned Bangladesh to become able to compete in the global ecotourism market. Although ecotourism is still relatively new to Bangladesh, several initiatives are taken to expand and promote it in the country. Ecotourism in Bangladesh is gaining popularity as more travelers become aware of the stunning landscapes, mesmerizing wildlife and biodiversity of plants found in this beautiful country. What is more, by offering access offshore islands, rivers, wetlands, ‘‘Haors’’ (water reservoirs), mangrove forests, and diverse bio cultures, Bangladesh possesses potential for development as an ecotourism hub. The aim of this chapter is to define the opportunities for ecotourism services and products in Bangladesh, as well as the current constraints and potential solutions. This chapter will assist policymakers and marketers in putting policies and strategies in place to promote ecotourism products and encourage overall tourism growth in Bangladesh.