Tourism Development in India and Bangladesh: General Issues and Ecotourism in the Sunderbans

Historically, tourism in India has been important and in fact is encouraged by Hindu scriptures. Nevertheless, international tourism to India and South Asia generally has languished in recent times in contrast to the growth of international tourism in the Asia-Pacific which has experienced the fastest tourism growth rate of any• region in the world. Paying particular attention to India and Bangladesh, some of the economic and other reasons for this lack-lustre performance are outlined, e.g., government regulations, restriction of competition in the tourist and travel industry, state provision of tourist services, currency restrictions. Now that India, and to some extent, Bangladesh have embarked on economic reforms to help liberalise their economies some of their previous impediments to international tourism will be reduced. Both in India and Bangladesh, the government has played a major role in the provision of tourist services. This not only includes the provision of transport facilities such as air •and rail transport, but also hotels, lodges, guest houses and tours themselves. Although the governments of India and Bangladesh have played a major role in tourism, with the economic structural adjustments that are occurring or planned the relative role of the government in the tourism sector can be expected to decline. In India for example, greater competition is to be expected in the provision of airline services and some government owned hotels are to be sold to private industry. Some reduction in 'red tape' faced by tourists might also be anticipated. Apart from considering general economic issues and policies involved in tourism development in India and Bangladesh, the study draws on a survey of the development• of ecotourism in the Sunderbans. This is a major area for ecotourism both in West Bengal and in Bangladesh. Many of the problems encountered in this region also are encountered for ecotourism in other countries, both less developed and developed. • Amongst the economic problems encountered in operating tourism enterprises in the Sunderbans are: (1) The fact that tourism •to the area is seasonal; the tourist facilities cannot be used during the hot monsoon period and so they remain idle for a large part of the year. This is a major cost component. (2) Virtually no local persons are employed in the tourist industry in the Sunderbans, so there are very few employment benefits to locals. (3) Most commodities for tourism in the Sunderbans are sourced from outside the Sunderbans. In the case of the Indian Sunderbans, most of the supplies come from Calcutta. (4) Permits are required for entry to the Sunderbans both in Bangladesh and India. These must be issued by the Ministry of Forestry and often there are delays in their issue which can frustrate tourists. (5) Wild animals, especially tigers, are very difficult to see. Therefore, many tourists may feel disappointed. Tourism in the Indian and Bangladesh Sunderbans is compared and contrasted.