The Principles and Practices of Sustainable Tourism Investments and Development in Bangladesh

The tourism industry of Bangladesh is growing very rapidly in recent years though international tourist arrival is very limited compared to the neighboring countries. However, domestic tourist flow has been increasing excessively. This book chapter reveals the status of sustainable tourism indicators of Bangladesh guided by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and Department of International Development (DFID). It has been found that the local people of the topmost revenue-generating destination of Bangladesh are slightly dissatisfied with mass tourism development, yet, it varies for different factors. In terms of social and environmental concerns, local people are dissatisfied with conventional tourism practices. However, they are very satisfied with the increase of diversified livelihood and economic multiplication. On the other hand, livelihood capital is used limited to sustainability in the four major sectors of the tourism industry for the country. The main reason for it could be depicted lack of theoretical understanding of research. However, the tourism industry of the country is still in the booming stage. Therefore, the application of effective knowledge with proper investments and development practices could improve the industries involved in the tourism business in a sustainable manner. Thus, this industry could rise and bring about decent employment offerings in a sustainable manner to everyone (i.e. from the community to investors or the government). Moreover, these practices will improve the capacity of the destination’s inhabitants to protect the environment and ensure community empowerment.