The National Tourism Policy was declared in 1992. Its main objectives are:- To create interest in tourism among the people
- To preserve, protect, develop and maintain tourism resources
- To take steps for poverty-alleviation through creating employment
- To build a positive image of the country abroad
- To open up a recognized sector for private capital investment
- To arrange entertainment and recreation
- To strengthen national solidarity and integrity
In line with the policy, the Government provides incentives to attract private sector partners. The incentives include tax-holiday, loans, concession rates for taxes and duties and in specific cases, allotment of land etc. Development Program
Strategic Master Plan for Tourism
A strategic Master Plan for Tourism Development was prepared by UNDP/ WTO in 1990. It is being updated by WTO. Besides, the Government has taken steps to establish, Special Tourist Zones (STZ) at Cox's Bazar, Sundarbans and Kuakata. In the meantime a primary field survey has been conducted for Kuakata . The Government has taken initiative to exploit the eco-tourism potential of the country for sustainable tourism development.
Tourist Arrivals
Foreign tourist arrivals in Bangladesh has been showing an upward trend in the recent years. Total tourist arrival was more than two hundred thousand in 2001. Statistics of the last five years are presented below: | Year | Tourist Arrivals | Change % | | 1997 | 182420 | 9.97 | | 1998 | 171961 | - 5.73 | | 1999 | 172781 | 0.48 | | 2000 | 199211 | 15.30 | | 2001 | 207199 | 4.01 |
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