Potentialities and Obstructions of Exclusive Tourism Zone in the Coastal Areas of Bangladesh: A Theoretical Analysis

The concept of developing Exclusive Tourism Zone (ETZ) in the coastal areas of Bangladesh hampered in part by lack of empirical evidence on potentialities and impediments. The existing literature procured attention to identify economic potentiality, national strategies and administrative barriers of tourist industry while the possibilities and hurdles of ETZ at more localized form remained unexplored. In light of the situation, the present paper aimed to explore the prospects and challenges of introducing ETZ particularly in the Chittagong coast (Cox’s Bazar, Patenga and Teknaf) with the influence of local factors. We adopted a bottom-up approach through seizing perception from the ground by following both qualitative and quantitative methods. The semi-structured questionnaire, in-depth interviews, and FGDs have conducted for primary data collection. Local people, tourist, and stakeholders involved in tourist business considered as significant respondents for the study. During the survey, purposive sampling and ‘quota control’ techniques have followed to choose respondents size and category. However, evaluation of the survey findings along with SWOT analysis not only revealed opportunities of ETZ but also reflected influential local factors and embedded social views/thoughts as a challenge in launching the project in the coast. We believe, the paper will significantly contribute to robust decision making and forming guidelines for the thriving tourist industry.