Poverty Alleviation Through Tourism Development In Bangladesh: Theoretical Perspectives And Empirical Evidence

Abstract

Bangladesh has huge tourism prospects for its abundant and captivating natural resources such as beaches, picturesque scenery, indigenous culture, historical events, religious rituals, heritage sites, forests, wildlife, hill resorts, and so on. Through improving livelihoods, and sociocultural development, tourism can contribute to the economic development of the country. This paper aims to explore people’s perception of poverty alleviation through tourism development. The majority of tourism products and services are available in rural and remote areas. Using a quantitative survey technique, this study collected 319 samples to analyze peoples’ perception of tourism development that has the potential to alleviate poverty in Bangladesh. The study found that tourism significantly generates employment opportunities for the local people and plays a crucial role in the preservation and conservation of local heritage and culture. Multiple regression results show that tourism can contribute immensely to poverty alleviation. The study highlighted various guidelines, programs, and measures aimed at poverty alleviation through tourism development in Bangladesh. This paper also acknowledges that a concerted effort is a must in poverty alleviation from all relevant parties including government, NGOs, national tourism organizations, private tourism organizations, international aid agencies, and native communities.