Sustainable Tourism Development in Sundarbans, Bangladesh (A World Heritage Site): Issues and Actions

Abstract

Efficient management of the visitor economy at any destination not
only positively contributes to the visitors’ experience enhancement but also
augments the opportunities available and guards the environment whilst
ensuring the interest of the host community and businesses operating within it.
This study is an initiative to effectively develop and manage tourism in
Sundarbans, Bangladesh, a world heritage site, using sustainable measures so
that a high quality visitor experiences can be ensured and the impact of tourism
on Sundarbans’ environment and to its host community can be managed. This
study started with a destination audit and conducted a situation analysis
according to some indicators suggested by the UNWTO (2004) in their
guidebook “Indicators for Sustainable Development of Tourism Destination”.
Based on the destination audit, situation analysis, and in-depth interviews with
the industry experts, a set of issues has been identified which Sundarbans is
currently facing due to tourism. Since, each of the identified issues is different in
terms of their significance and impacts; prioritization of these issues has been
prepared to address them. Moreover, the UNWTO (2007, p. 2) stated that
“Destination management calls for a coalition of many organizations and
interests working towards a common goal”. Therefore, this study recommended
a multi-level stakeholders approach to achieve the common goal ‘Sustainable
Tourism development and management in Sundarbans’. Finally, this study
finished with an action plan along with the key stakeholders and their
contributory roles for ensuring the long-term sustainability and competitiveness
of Sundarbans, Bangladesh as a tourism destination.