BANGLADESH is a developing country and still faces many difficulties. The country has achieved political sovereignty, but economic freedom has yet to be gained. In seeking the goal of self-reliance, tourism can definitely contribute to development of the country.
In the productive sector there has been lot of investment over the years. The return from the manufacturing sector or agricultural sector has been reasonable. But the country has not seen much investment in services sector. The tourism industry, however, offers an avenue of investment that can ensure a better and lucrative return, thus contributing more to the national economy.
Tourism has always been developed as a multilateral industry. Unlike other productive industries, it has wide range of inputs and, as a result, expenditures on inputs are distributed more widely than in most traditional industries. The resultant distribution of wealth creates a higher multiplier effect in the economy. Moreover, the tourism industry offers a variety of choices. For example, a tourist may like to buy some product or visit a part of the country. The wider circulation of money through so many sellers will have an obviously greater multiplier effect in the economy. There is, of course, no specific calculation of this effect as yet, but according to a report prepared by the World Tourism Organisation in 1990, the multiplier effect in the tourism sector was 1:5. Nevertheless, with the advent or a variety of choices, this effect is much higher in Bangladesh at present.
Since the tourism industry requires a series of inputs that are varied in nature, it automatically opens up a wide range of economic activities in different professions and different areas. For example, establishment of a hotel in certain areas calls for regular supply of many items and as a result economic activities for production and supply of those items automatically grow up there. The wide variety of choices by the visiting tourists also calls for variety of supplies from different areas thus creating a chain of economic activities.
Tourism is mostly a service industry. Therefore, it is more labour oriented than other sectors of production. Automated and computerised processes may replace human beings in other industries to a great extent, but in the tourism sector the key factor is service, particularly personal service. Moreover, the wide varieties of choices in tourism very seldom allow automation. It is, therefore, clear that the tourism industry offers more employment opportunities than other industries. It is a fact that with the growth of population in the country, the problem of unemployment has become acute. Thus, in view of the fact that Bangladesh has a labour-intensive economy the creation of more employment opportunities is essential. The tourism industry can create employment opportunities and a productive labour force to a greater degree than other sectors.
Services and facilities being the main products of the tourism industry, taxation and other levies on consumer goods, especially luxury products, will be more beneficial to a country such as Bangladesh. Taxation on tourism services, especially on luxury products, will not greatly affect the general population, while on the other hand it will contribute a great deal to the national budget.
The development of infrastructure facilities is a prerequisite for a developing country. Tourism development provides these facilities. Furthermore, transportation facilities such as car or boat rental in the tourism industry add considerably to the national communication system. Specialisation in tourism transport facilities also improves the overall standard of transport services.
Attempts are being made to export non-traditional products such as handicrafts, souvenirs and other cottage industry products. Several organisations are also putting great effort into popularising and marketing these products abroad. Cottage industries are showing spontaneous growth in every village of Bangladesh and are playing a very important role in the national economy. But the most striking problem is improving the marketability of such products. Tourism obviously offers better marketing opportunities and better prices, thus encouraging production and the growth of small industries.
Recreation and holidaying help develop the mental health of people and improve work efficiency. In a labour-intensive economy such as Bangladesh, work efficiency is a vital factor in enhancing overall production. Tourism is an excellent way of achieving such benefits due to its very wide range of recreational activities.
With the development of tourism, the culture of Bangladesh will gain extensive international recognition. This, in turn, will result in greater domestic awareness, further development and a broader outlook. The archaeological sites in Bangladesh bear testimony to its glorious past. Temples and mosques, shrines, music and festivals could provide pleasure and knowledge to people from far and wide. The educational and moral values accruing from such cultural tourism will contribute extensively to socio-economic improvement of the country.
Tourism also offers wide regional and international linkages. As a result, more international and regional organisations are offering the country wider participation in tourism-related forums. Bangladesh with its limited financial resources depends much on foreign assistance. International cooperation and foreign assistance can be equally sought for development of tourism in Bangladesh.
The tourism industry is potentially a major source of foreign exchange, contributing considerably to a favourable balance of payments. In Bangladesh, however, there are many export products that earn foreign exchange, but in all cases it involves the physical transfer of goods. However, tourism is mostly a service industry, involving minimal physical transfer of goods and services. People from other countries visit Bangladesh, enjoy the facilities, spend foreign exchange and return home. Except for purchases of gift and souvenirs, there is very little to be physically transferred. This characteristic of the tourism industry is known as "invisible exports". For a country such as Bangladesh, which has little surplus for exports, this characteristic of tourism can play a vital role.
An official promotional tourism guide says: "Bangladesh is an exotic destination. It is a magical tapestry woven with the threads of hope, struggle and love. It has a host of tourist treasures to offer to the tourists. Bangladesh is a combination of verdant forests, riverine countryside, and long stretches of sun-bathed beaches, fearsome wilds, meandering rivers and venerable shrine". There are much more attracts like lakes, hills, tribal life, and archaeological remains, including historical moments, folklore, and religious and cultural heritage.
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