Govt seeks over USD 1bn investment in tourism

Dhaka : The Bangladesh Tourism Board (BTB) has formulated 10 development project proposals (DPPs) which will require around USD 1.18 billion investment, mostly private, in the next 15 years. 

Md Mokammel Hossain, Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, said this during a parallel session of Bangladesh Business Summit 2003 titled "Market Readiness and Opportunities for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the Tourism Sector" held on March 13 at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre in the capital.

Of the total sought amount, private investors (local and foreign) will have the opportunity to invest USD 1.07 billion for the development of these tourist zones in Kuakata, Padma Bridge, Shahpori Dwip, Sundarbans, Shalbon Bhihar, Sompura Mahabhihara, Lawachara, Tanguar Haor, Padma Char and Nazirtek areas, said the secretary.

The private investors will mainly invest in constructing star hotels, resorts, amusement parks and other luxury facilities, the tourism secretary added.

Besides, the government will also invest USD 105.5 million to develop infrastructural facilities like roads, electricity and security, he claimed.

Mokammel Hossain said the 10 sites have been categorised as an integrated tourism zone, multi-zone development, site development, and special tourism zone.  

Abu Tahir Muhammad Zaber, chief executive officer (additional charge) of BTB, said, "The 10 DPPs have been prepared as an action plan for the first-ever master plan that we are preparing for boosting the tourism sector. We want to implement these projects on a priority basis."

"The proposals will be placed in the next meeting of the National Tourism Council, headed by the prime minister. After that, the DPPs will be sent to the Ministry of Planning as usual," he added. 

Wellness and nature-based tourism will be promoted in Lawachara, Tanguar Haor and Sundarban areas.

The Padma Bridge and Padma Char will be developed as integrated tourism zones where the concept is meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (mice tourism).

The highest USD 341 million in private investment and USD 40 million in public investment have been proposed for Padma bridge-centric project while the figure is USD 136.5 million for the Padma char project.

Around USD 200 million in private investment has been sought for the Kuakata project to develop beach-centric leisure tourism.

Shahpori Dwip, in Teknaf, will be developed as an integrated zone for business or leisure tourism.