Tourism Marketing in Bangladesh

Abstract

This paper provides an introduction to the Bangladeshi tourist sector focusing on its general status and development potential. Bangladesh is not as devastating as the international image of the country indicates. The country show a number of positive development indications in spite of huge challenges related to geography, climate, history, population and national economy.

Tourism has since the 1990s been a small but rapidly growing sector of the economy. Foreign embassies request travelers in Bangladesh to be alert to several safety and security issues, nevertheless crime rates have traditionally been low compared to other areas of the world. General travel advice is to be well informed of world events and local developments, avoid potential dangerous situations and travel responsibly. Due to historical isolation Bangladeshi culture and history is distinct. The six national divisions offer both individually and combining a variety of natural and cultural destinations suitable for tourist attractions. The Bangladeshi authorities are concerned with safeguarding its heritage, including an extraordinary intangible heritage and the traditional Bengali handicraft. Nevertheless the standard for preservation, development and level of international appeal of these resources are affected both by a low sustainable commercial use and several national challenges. Sustainable tourist development could have a major positive impact. Lack of update data makes it difficult to conclude the tourism demand status and potential. Bangladesh is one of the countries in the South Asian region that has the least arrivals and revenue earned from the tourism industry. This might change in the future as the travel and tourism activity is forecast to increase worldwide, regionally and nationally.

In this report some prospective plans of tourism development are accomplished such as planning process and planning function. Some important marketing activities like place marketing, promotional tools like advertising, sales promotions; personal selling, public relation etc are elaborately explained for better tourism marketing. In the data research and analysis process it was tried to find out real tourist thinking and suggestions to develop tourism marketing.

To successfully develop the Bangladeshi tourism marketing it requires most effective marketing strategies that influence future tourist demand. This strategy should aim both at sustainable development (including economical, cultural and environmental considerations) and increasing tourist income. It is obvious to focus on existing local markets as well as to aim for the traditionally profitable inbound tourist market. The low existing inbound tourism demand indicates though that fundamental product and promotion improvement is required.