Tourism Planning

Tourism Planning on BANDARBAN

Report on Tourism Planning – Developing a Tourism Plan for a Destination

(BANDARBAN)

LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL

Date: April 12, 2011

Kamrul Hasan

ASIF – 071005011 KHORSHED – 071005018 SHUVRA - 071005050


LecturerFaculty of Business StudiesUniversity of Dhaka.

Subject: Submission of assignment on “Tourism Planning – Developing a tourism plan for a destination (BANDARBAN).”

Dear Sir,

Here we are submitting our assignment report on “Tourism Planning – Developing a tourism plan for a destination.” prescribed by you on your course Tourism Planning & Development. For this purpose, we have gone through internet, different articles, and journals for the relevant information of the assigned topic.

Please call us for any further information at your convenient time and place.

Yours Sincerely,

Md. Asiful AlamKhorshed AlamShuvra Das

EMBA

University of Dhaka

EXECUTIVE SUMMERY



This report is an assigned job as partial fulfillment of course requirement by honorable course teacher KAMRUL HASAN, Lecturer, Department of Business Administration, University of Dhaka. The view of this report is to Developing a tourism plan for a specific destination.

Tourism worldwide including Bangladesh is an expanding sector. It provides a significant

foreign exchange and employment to our country. Bangladesh has potentials to develop tourism

as a growing industry. However, in this paper, we have suggested a plan to develop Bandarban

as a successful tourist destination. This paper includes general overview of tourism & tourism

planning, Bandarban as a tourist destination, goals and objectives, action plans, constraints,

recommendations and some other valuable information regarding Bangladesh tourism industry.

Governments of Bangladesh should take some bold steps to remove the barriers standing in the

way.

Contents

Definition of Tourism..................................................................................................................................2



Tourism Planning........................................................................................................................................2

Two Sides of Tourism Planning..................................................................................................................2

Destination..................................................................................................................................................2

Site Analysis................................................................................................................................................2

Bandarban Sights.........................................................................................................................................2

Bandarban District Map...............................................................................................................................2

Goals............................................................................................................................................................2

Theme.........................................................................................................................................................2

Objective.....................................................................................................................................................2

Tourism Action Steps...................................................................................................................................2

Constraints..................................................................................................................................................2

Recommendations.......................................................................................................................................2

Conclusion...................................................................................................................................................2

Bibliography................................................................................................................................................2

Definition of TourismTourism is defined by the World Tourism Organization (WTO) as comprising the activities of

persons travelling to and staying in places outside their usual environment for not more than one

consecutive year for leisure, business and other purposes. The WTO further explains that

“Tourism” refers to all activities of visitors including both “tourists (overnight visitors)” and

“same-day visitors”.

Tourism PlanningTourism is one of many activities in a community or region that requires planning and

coordination. Planning is the process of identifying objectives and defining and evaluating



methods of achieving them. By comprehensive planning we mean planning which considers all

of the tourism resources, organizations, markets, and programs within a region. Comprehensive

planning also considers economic, environmental, social, and institutional aspects of tourism

development.

Two Sides of Tourism PlanningTourism planning has evolved from two related but distinct sets of planning philosophies and

methods. On the one hand, tourism is one of many activities in an area that must be considered as

part of physical, environmental, social, and economic planning. Therefore, it is common to find

tourism addressed, at least partially, in a regional land use, transportation, recreation, economic

development, or comprehensive plan. The degree to which tourism is addressed in such plans

depends upon the relative importance of tourism to the community or region and how sensitive

the planning authority is to tourism activities.

Tourism may also be viewed as a business in which a community or region chooses to engage.

Individual tourism businesses conduct a variety of planning activities including feasibility,

marketing, product development, promotion, forecasting, and strategic planning. If tourism is a

significant component of an area's economy or development plans, regional or community-wide

marketing plans are needed to coordinate the development and marketing activities of different

tourism interests in the community.

A comprehensive approach integrates a strategic marketing plan with more traditional public

planning activities. This ensures a balance between serving the needs and wants of the tourists

versus the needs and wants of local residents. A formal tourism plan provides a vehicle for the

various interests within a community to coordinate their activities and work toward common

goals. It also is a means of coordinating tourism with other community activities.

DestinationBangladesh is a land of beauty. There are so many destinations that need to be focused. In this

analysis, we have selected BANDARBAN as a tourist destination and tried to develop a successful tourism plan.

Site AnalysisBandarban District (Chittagong division): With an area of 4479 sq. km, is bounded by

Rangamati district on the north, Arakan (Myanmar) and the river Naf on the south, Arakan and



Rangamati district on the east and Chittagong and cox's bazar district on the west. Bandarban

mostly consists of forests and hills. Main rivers are Shankha (Sangu), Matamuhuri and Bakkhali.

The four major mountain ranges of the district are the Meranja, Wailatong, Tambang and Politai.

Bagakain or Baga Lake is notable. Annual average temperature maximum 34.6°C and minimum

13°C. Annual rainfall 3031 mm.

Bandarban (Town): The area of Bandarban town is 51.80 sq km. It has a population of 31806;

male 60.22%, female 39.78%. It consists of 10 wards and 62 mahallas. There are 2

dakbungalows, 1 cinema hall, 2 public libraries, 1 community centre and 3 playgrounds in the

town. Literacy rate among the town people is 56.8%.

Administration: Bandarban district was established in 1983. It consists of 7 upazilas, 32 unions,

140 mouzas, 1482 villages, 1 municipality, 10 wards and 62 mahallas. The upazilas are

Bandarban sadar, Rowangchhari, Ruma, Thanchi, Lama, Alikadam, and Naikhoncchari.

Historical Events: The British rulers declared Bandarban as a forest zone because of its vast

forest area devoid of human settlement. The Arakanese were permanently settled in Bandarban

after the British ascendancy in Arakan.

Population: 292900; male 53.39%, female 46.61%; Muslim 47.62%, Buddhist 38%, Christian

7.27%, Hindu 3.52% and others 3.59%. Ethnic nationals include the marma, murong, tripura,

bawm, tanchangya, chakma, chak, khyang, khumi, lushei and the pankho.

Literacy and Educational Institutions: Average literacy 39.5%; male 49.5%, female 25.4%.

Educational institutions: college 2, high school 24, junior school 26, residential school 3,

government primary school 219, non-government primary school 150, non-formal education

centres 45, madrasa 6.

Locally Published Newspapers and Periodicals Dailies: Jug Rabi and Natun Bangladesh;

periodical: Sangu.

Cultural Organisations: Shishu Academy 1, Shilpakala Academy 1, public library 7, cinema

hall 5, tribal cultural institution 1.

Main Occupations: Agriculture 43.09%, forestry 4.14%, agricultural laborer 18.73%, wage

laborer 7.09%, commerce 7.33%, service 8.52%, others 11.1%.

Land Use: Forest lands 280473.29 hectares, agricultural land 100945.44 hectares, and fallow

land 146285.45 hectares. About 52.15% land is used for jhum cultivation and fruit plantation.

Main agricultural crops: Paddy, mustard, cotton, tobacco, vegetables.



Main Fruits: Banana, pineapple, jackfruit, orange, papaya.

Communications facilities: Roads: Paka 134 km., semi paka 39 km and mud road 205 km;

waterways 166 km.

Manufactories: Cotton Research Centre, textile mill, match factory, etc.

Main hats and bazaars: Main hats and bazars are Swalak, Rwongchari, Ruma, Thanchi,

Balipara, Aziznagar, Lama, Alikadam, Bahisari, Naikhongchari, Gumdum, Tumbru and Murong

Gahati.

Main Exports: Banana, jackfruit, cotton, bamboo.

NGO’s Activities: Operationally important NGOs are ccdb, caritas.

Health centres: District sadar hospital 1, upazila health complex 7, union health and family

planning centres 29.

Bandarban Sights

Buddha Dhatu Jadi: The largest Buddhist temple in Bangladesh, located in Balaghata, 4 km from the town, is one excellent place to visit locally known as 'Swarna Mandir'. This Theravada Buddhist temple. Set atop a 60 meter hill, is made completely in the style of South-East Asia and houses a sacred relic and the second largest statue of Buddha in Bangladesh.

Shoilo Propat, Meghla and Nilachal: The waterfall named Shoilo Propat at Milanchari, 4 km from the town on the road to Thanchi, is also excellent site maintained by Bangladesh Parjatan, the national tourism promotion corporation. The Parjatan Motel is not a small thing at all. It has a huge three-storey building on a high place. The room rent here a little high compared to

other places The site maintained by the District Administration is Meghla, 4 km from the town on the road to Keranihat, which features a mini-safari-park, a zoo, and a hanging bridge. The District Administration has also developed the Nilachal tourist site near Meghla, in Tigerpara.

Raj Vihar and Ujanipara Vihar: The numerous Buddhist temples, known as kyang in local toungue and vihars in the town include the highly notable the Rajvihar (royal

Monastery) at



Jadipara. The monastery at Ujanipara, known as Ujanipara Vihar, is also a major place of interest.

Chimbuk Hill & Tribal Villages: Chimbuk is one of the tallest peaks in Bangladesh and lies some 14 km from the town. Bawm villages around Chimbuk and Mru villages a little further off are also lie within a day's journey from the town.

Nil Giri and Thanchi: Nilgiri is one of the tallest peaks and beautiful place in Bangladesh and lies some 46 km from the town. There is beautiful resort in the top of the mountain maintain by the Bangladesh Army. Booking to be done through army officer. There are three well-furnished cottages ranging from Tk.4000-7000. There are also three tents having 4 beds each@2000 per tent. Foreign tourist will be restricted there. There is restaurant, helipad, etc.

Other Places: Prantik Lake, Jibannagar and Kyachlong Lake are

some more places of interest.

Boga Lake (1200 ft.): A beautiful lake surrounded by high hills and a small village just beside the lake.

Bandarban District Map



Goals The Ultimate goal of developing this plan is to ensure the growth of tourism industry through

improving tourism attractions, tourism infrastructures, tourism hospitality, tourism business, and

tourism promotion.

ThemeBandarban, the roof of Bangladesh is a rich and dynamic mixture of green hills and natural water

falls that reveal opportunities for an individual and collective sense of belonging, understanding,

and celebration of the evolving natural world.

ObjectiveObjective is related to the goals. Here we have tried to deliver our objective with proper linkage to goals:

Goals Associated Objectives

To Improve Tourism Attractions

To maintain the original beauty of natural attractions by being sensitive to the environmentTo encourage both local and national govt. to build man made attractions without hampering the natural sights.

To Improve Tourism Infrastructure

To develop communication procedure for ensuring good access to all over the site.To develop safe, comfortable, and high class accommodation and food services.

To Improve Tourism Hospitality

To encourage businesses to use hospitality training programs.To establish a better training program for tourist information staff.To establish a program to ensure that all our residents appreciate the need to be friendly and courteous to visitors.

To Improve Tourism Business

To encourage more businesses to install ATM's.to encourage the establishment of 24-hour convenience store, recreation equipment rentals, etc.

To Improve Tourism Promotion

To encourage the appropriate authority develop a well-organized Web-site.To ensure that event organizers are aware of any funding that may be available to assist in promotion.To build and maintain the tourist information booth both within the area and outside the area.

Tourism Action StepsHer we have tried to mention some action steps to fulfill the objectives mentioned above including the responsible organizations and possible funding sources:



Action StepsResponsible

OrganizationsPossible Funding

Source

Meet with deputy commissioner of Bandarban to seek support for keeping the sites clean

Local GovernmentGovernment/Private Organizations

Contact with investors to encourage them to invest in tourism industry for making man made attractions

NTO/GovernmentIndividual or corporate investors

Consultation with transportation business people for providing high class transports

Communication ministry & Transportation Sector

Transportation industry/Financial institutes

Consultation with star rated hotels for opening branches in Bandarban

Government/Hotel Owners

Hotel Owners/Financial institutes

Requesting NTO to arrange trainings for people involved in tourism service providing as Bandarban

NTO/Businesses involved in Tourism

Businesses involved in Tourism

Discussion with financial institutes to install more ATMs or service booths

Financial Institutes Financial Institutes

Invite local investors to establish 24-hour convenience stores

Local InvestorsLocal Investors/Financial Institutes

Invite local investors to establish business of recreation equipment rental

Local InvestorsLocal Investors/Financial Institutes

Request NTO to develop and maintain a well-organized Web-site only for Bandarban

NTO/Information Ministry

NTO/Government

Discussion with event planners and companies to encourage them for planning their events at Bandarban

Event Management Firms

Event Management Firms/Corporations

Meet with local community to make the understand how tourism can change their way of living

Business Organizations/NTO

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We have to keep in mind that some of these objectives can be achieved in a reasonably short period of time, and that others have a medium or even long term time line. This provides the early successes, which builds confidence to tackle the longer term, more complex objectives.

ConstraintsDespite occasional meetings and adoption of plans of action, not much real progress is noticed yet in promoting tourism in Bangladesh. The following reasons could be considered as impediments to development of tourism in the Bangladesh:



Lack of transport links (air, rail, road and sea transport connecting major tourist destinations).Lack of sincerity and political will to promote Bangladesh as a common tourism destination: This emanates due to competition between the countries for tourists, given that all of the countries offer somewhat similar tourist products and compete in the same markets in the world.There has been a lack of funds and technical expertise. The little seed money that the Bangladesh Tourism Fund has been established with can pump prime the initial take-off, with publication of promotional materials and familiarization tours.Absence of effective coordination: This stands in the way of effective coordination among the relevant departments, agencies and ministries in Bangladesh.Complicated visa and border formalities are the most crucial factor that stands in the way particularly of intra-regional tourism. Though discussions have taken place, not much easing out in this area is yet in place.Government tax on hotel accommodation and food facility in Bangladesh is also not adequate. An ADB report points out that “Hotel rates in Dhaka are high compared to neighboring countries, reflecting the high taxation imposed on hotels in Bangladesh.”Lack of government policy is also a problem for tourism industry. This indicates that our tourism is in a problem of proper guide line.Corruption is one of the major problems regarding tourism industry in Bangladesh. For that some foreign tourist fell into problem in their smooth and continue journey in Bangladesh.

RecommendationsTo develop Bandarban specifically and Bangladesh as a whole as a successful tourist destination, we recommend emphasizing on the following factors, as the development of Bandarban is not possible without developing the whole country :

Budget tourism aimed at all age groups, particularly the young generation of backpackers needs to be developed, with economy travel, easing of visa formalities, dissemination of information and low-cost but comfortable accommodations, etc.

For learning lessons from other more successful groupings, visits of groups comprising of tourist officials, private sector entrepreneurs and journalists should be arranged.

Investment opportunities with liberal incentives need to be communicated to both national and international investors.

Eco-tourism should be grounded on the premise of poverty reduction of local communities. Tourist facilities and products need to be developed with minimum ecological impact. Also, opportunities for employment generation and income earning for the local communities are to be created.

Human resource development for tourism through formal and informal education, training and exchange visits is of utmost importance for Bangladesh.



Quality of service needs to be improved. For the purpose, training at different levels – from top management down to door boys – should be initiated at national and regional levels.

In the area of environmental management, an integrated approach needs to be taken for ensuring sustainability. The good practices within Bangladesh in different areas, such as community-based resource management, energy efficiency and conservation, pollution management, disaster mitigation, etc. need to be disseminated.

ConclusionA product can be "ideas, goods, or services." Since tourism is primarily a service-based industry, the principal products provided by recreation/tourism (R/T) businesses are recreational experiences and hospitality. These are intangible products and more difficult to market than tangible products such as automobiles. The intangible nature of services makes quality control difficult but crucial. It also makes it more difficult for potential customers to evaluate and compare service offerings. In addition, instead of moving the product to the customer, the customer must travel to the product (area/community).

Travel is a significant portion of the time and money spent in association with recreational and tourism experiences and is a major factor in people's decisions on whether or not to visit your business or community. As an industry, tourism has many components comprising the overall "travel experience." Along with transportation, it includes such things as accommodations, food and beverage services, shops, entertainment, aesthetics and special events. It is rare for one business to provide the variety of activities or facilities tourists need or desire. This adds to the difficulty of maintaining and controlling the quality of the experience. To overcome this hurdle, tourism related businesses, agencies, and organizations need to work together to package and promote tourism opportunities in their areas and align their efforts to assure consistency in product quality.



Bibliography

1. http://www.parjatan.gov.bd/

2. http://dailyindependent.com/

3. Other usual webs related to tourism


http://dailyindependent.com/

http://www.parjatan.gov.bd/

Tourism Planning

Documents

Transcript of Tourism Planning