The challenge and prospects of Tourism

The emergence of recent pandemic has devastated many sectors of our economy, including tourism. International flights along domestic tour packages have beencancelled, as a result of which experts have estimated an impending disaster in this sector.

• The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has revealed an estimation, revealing that Bangladesh will face a loss of about TK40 billion this year due to this pandemic (updated on 9 April 2020). On the other hand, the Tour Operation Association of Bangladesh (TOAB) foretasted a net loss of TK 57 billion this year. The vulnerability has rocketed as domestic travelers will have budget in future.

• Around 0.5 – 0.6 million foreign visitors came in Bangladesh in 2019, and this sector employs 1.1 million people. Maintaining social distance and health issues will accelerate the cost of travelling, a fact that stipulates a sharp drop in passengers’ number. This situation is even threatening the developed countries also. Japan saw a 93% plunge in March (98.5% drop when compared to march 2019) and experts have predicted a drop of 30% to 80% for the year in which estimated target was attracting 40 million tourists. Last year tourist spent $44 billion and this sector accounts for 7% of its GDP. So, the situation in Japan can easily be realized.

• Finally, even if we consider the condition of other countries’ tourism sector, we shall find the very same situation. Moreover, after the pandemic, tourists have to maintain social distance and other hygiene factors. So, the extent to which this sector will resuscitate largely rests on policy makers and application of adaptive polices.