http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=227601
Bangladesh is looking to expand its tourist industry by promoting rural tourism activities to wealthy clients. Similar to some of the ecotourism destinations discussed in class like St. Johns and the zone between North and South Korea, Bangladesh possesses both natural and cultural uniqueness that will hopefully draw tourists. Tourists can stay in tents or partake in home-stays in villages in India, or they can fish or snorkel. Interestingly, the article noted that Bangladesh aims to attract Asian tourists because they are more used to the culture and hygiene aspects of India that might deter other European tourists. Additionally, tourists who now travel to the region are relatively poor, and Bangladesh wants to target more wealthy clients to increase its revenue.
This article did not mention any negative effects of ecotourism or explain how locals feel about ecotourism in the area. One problem is that India has very poor infrastructure - how will it be able to support an influx of potentially thousands of people each year? Do you think that the locals will receive any of the monetary benefits from ecotourism, or will the money flow to the government? Given the possibility for negative ramifications of ecotourism (sea turtles example in class), I think Bangladesh should carefully assess both the potential for good and bad before promoting ecotourism in the region so rigorously. What do you think are relevant issues to consider?
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ReplyDeleteI agree with your thoughts that there are various aspects which need to be considered in order for the ecotourism industry to create the most benefits for Bangladesh. It seems to me that ecotourism has a lot of potential to generate revenue and bring positive change to the country. Like you stated, bringing in wealthier clientele could raise the already poor country's profile.
ReplyDeleteHowever, there are also many issues which my create problems for Bangladesh and the ecotourism industry in particular. For example, over 90% of the country is made up of alluvial plains which are only 10 km above sea level. This makes most of the country extremely susceptible to flooding which could destroy bungalows and other tourist housing during the rainy season. Also, Bangladesh is one of the most densely populated countries. Therefore, a large influx of people per year might be too much for the area to sustain. Furthermore, much of the country suffers from a lack of clean drinking water and malnutrition. Allotting such resources to tourists might work against the country and cause even more local people to suffer.
Ideally, programs can be instituted to prevent ecotourism from hurting the country by funneling the money made from the industry to the people directly. I worry that if the money goes through the government, the local populations will never see the benefit from it. Perhaps the ecotourism industry could start off as a small endeavor and can expand once a working system has been established.
http://www.globaleducation.edna.edu.au/globaled/go/pid/641
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ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThere seems to be great potential for Bangladesh in the ecotourism industry judging by the recent rapid growth it has experienced and the fact that it is home to many natural wonders as well as many archaeological and historical sites rich in culture and heritage. Some of these sites include the famous domed Shat Gombuj Mosque in Bagerhat, a famous Buddhist monastery that has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the world's largest Mangrove forest which is also renowned for its world famous Royal Bengal Tiger. However, I agree that there are several relevant issues to consider. Since Bangladesh is planning on attracting wealthier tourists, it will probably be forced to take several measures in providing a cleaner and more attractive tourism package. Even though the country is planning to attract mainly Asian tourists since they are most interested in the culture and are used to the hygiene problems, wealthier people will probably begin to expect cleaner conditions. Ecotourism fronts may begin to compete for the wealthiest tourists and work to develop their own tourism offerings. This may result in initiatives that serve to benefit the tourists before the local economy because revenues from tourism would be cycled back into the tourist attractions themselves to improve them. In this sense, the money generated from ecotourism might get locked into the relationship between tourists and the companies providing the tourist attraction because it is to both parties' benefit to improve and enhance the ecotourism offering. However, the country is in need of income and economic productivity to improve the living conditions of the already overcrowded populations, and since Bangladesh is home to a wide variety of world renowned attractions there will always a demand for tourism and I feel it is in the country's best interest to push forward with ecotourism attractions.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.parjatan.gov.bd/tourist_attract.php
I think that the ecotourism here could potentially be beneficial as long as the money reaches the people, which you mentioned. However, I would be most concerned with expensive private industries who have the capacity to appeal to those wealthy classes Bengladesh would like to see. Those industries may not be domestic companies who are interested in improving domestic conditions, but large scale international tourist agencies that can make money off of this tourism without having to spend a whole lot on costs.
ReplyDeleteOne question I also have is about the home stay-- how are those families selected? Do they apply! Are they forced? What would inspire a family to let complete strangers stay with their familly? How would rich tourists feel about staying with strange, impoverished--and possible desperate--families? I think it is important to realize that those host families are real people and not just a business to be exploited. Therefore, I feel like if industries like this want to succeed on the long-term scale they need to maintain a policy of openness and clear practice.