Revenue Assessment of the Current Tourism Industry of Bandarban Hill District, Bangladesh, and its Economic Impact on the Local Indigenous Community

Abstract

The tourism industry has been acknowledged as a contributor to destination economies in many countries. The
tourism industry of Bandarban Hill District is a flourishing sector. The majority of people are heavily dependent on Jhumbased
agriculture. Further, there is no emerging sector that can create new workplaces or factories overnight. As the
geographical location, culture, people & society, and political scenarios of this area are different from most country districts,
special observation and planning are needed to improve its economic situation. As the tourism industry of this area blooms
automatically, the industry can be turned into a productive sector. So the people of this area can have more options for jobs.
As a result, people will experience work diversity and social benefits in the long run. The research project aims to study the
amount of revenue generated by this industry and identify its beneficiaries, their positions in the tourism industry, and the
status of supply chain management. The study revealed that the district annually generated a large amount of revenue just
after post covid. Comparing this amount to the research done 9 years ago, the revenue has increased almost 4 times. Among
the 7 upazilas, Bandarban Sadar, Thanchi, and Rowangchari are holding first, second, and third positions respectively in terms
of the amount of revenue. Most of the frontiers of this industry are elite class and many of them are outsiders. Locals are
running mid to small-sized businesses and the amount of revenue generated by them is not greater. Although this industry
is creating job opportunities for locals, the contribution could be doubled or increased if the industry is managed and
promoted systematically by proper authority. Community empowerment is possible by bridging the gaps in the supply chain
by spreading the benefits and advantages of this important industry among the common people. In addition, Bangladesh has
set the Sustainable Development Goals-SDGs target by 2030, where Bandarban can become a model through the
implementation of the proposed institutional framework.