As Bangladesh eyes a post-pandemic rebound in travel, the focus has shifted toward ensuring that tourism growth is safe, sustainable, and inclusive. In June 2025, the Bangladesh Tourism Board (BTB), in partnership with the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), unveiled a national initiative aimed at making tourism not just economically beneficial, but also environmentally responsible and socially empowering. Tourism accounts for roughly 4.4% of Bangladesh’s GDP, with millions relying on the sector for their livelihoods, particularly in coastal, hill, and heritage-rich regions. Recognizing this, policymakers are now prioritizing sustainability at every level planning, infrastructure, community participation, and climate adaptation. The new initiative introduces the “Safe & Green Travel” certification program, designed to reward eco-conscious hotels, tour operators, and destinations. Certified stakeholders must demonstrate compliance with global safety standards, waste management protocols, carbon reduction strategies, and inclusive service delivery. Already, tourism hubs like Cox’s Bazar, the Sundarbans, and Saint Martin’s Island are taking steps to meet these standards. To improve visitor safety, digital surveillance systems, smart check-in kiosks, and trained tourist police units are being deployed in popular zones. Additionally, first-aid training, disaster response drills, and gender-sensitive hospitality practices are being rolled out to build public confidence in domestic and international travel. A key highlight of the current push is the emphasis on community-based tourism. New programs in Bandarban, Sylhet, and Rangamati support local families offering homestays, cultural exchanges, and indigenous craft markets. These not only offer tourists a more authentic experience but also channel tourism income directly into rural economies, empowering marginalized communities while preserving their culture and land. From an environmental standpoint, stricter regulations are now in place to limit over-tourism and pollution. In Saint Martin’s Island, for instance, daily visitor caps have been introduced. Boats using fossil fuels are being replaced with electric or solar-powered vessels, and plastic-free zones are being expanded. In alignment with UNWTO’s “Tourism for People, Planet, and Prosperity” agenda, Bangladesh is also working to develop eco-trails, restore mangrove forests, and install solar infrastructure in remote tourist areas. “Tourism is not just about numbers anymore,” said BTB Director Nasir Uddin. “It’s about creating long-term value—for visitors, locals, and the environment. We want Bangladesh to be seen as a responsible destination, not just a beautiful one.” With peak season approaching, these efforts mark a critical step toward building a tourism ecosystem that respects nature, empowers people, and ensures safety for all.
