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Mapping Ecotourism Potential in Bangladesh: The Integration of an Analytical Hierarchy Algorithm and Geospatial Data

Author

Listed:
  • Muhallil Abtahee

    (Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Khulna University of Engineering and Technology, Khulna 9203, Bangladesh)

  • Afra Anika Islam

    (Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Khulna University of Engineering and Technology, Khulna 9203, Bangladesh)

  • Md. Nazmul Haque

    (Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Khulna University of Engineering and Technology, Khulna 9203, Bangladesh
    Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 7390046, Japan)

  • Hasan Zonaed

    (Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Khulna University of Engineering and Technology, Khulna 9203, Bangladesh)

  • Samiha Mahzabin Ritu

    (Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Khulna University of Engineering and Technology, Khulna 9203, Bangladesh)

  • Sk Md Imdadul Islam

    (Department of Civil Engineering, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg, TX 78541, USA)

  • Atiq Zaman

    (Global South Nexus (GSN), School of Design and the Built Environment, Curtin University, Perth 6102, Australia)

Abstract

The significance of ecotourism has been increasing due to its potential for biodiversity preservation, economic advancement, and the promotion of sustainability awareness. In this research, geospatial analysis and the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) was employed to identify feasible ecotourism sites in Bangladesh. The study applied Geographical Information System–Remote Sensing (GIS-RS) parameters and weighted overlay techniques for selected ecotourism characteristics, such as natural attractiveness, topographic features, accessibility, proximity to facilities, and community characteristics. The study found that a significant proportion (around 44%) of Bangladesh’s land exhibits high potential for ecotourism. Cox’s Bazar, Chittagong, and Rangamati are particularly favorable ecotourism locations. However, some difficulties emerge in regions that are not easily reachable, such as mangrove forests, and in densely inhabited localities like Dhaka. The research also identified the ecological costs linked with ecotourism, such as the exhaustion of resources, the fragmentation of habitats, contamination, and the disruption of wildlife. The primary recommendations to address the adverse effects include educating the local populace, enforcing regulatory measures, implementing efficient waste management systems, enforcing a stringent code of conduct, providing economic incentives to the local communities, and addressing the issue of food security. The cartographically delineated potential zones have the potential to function as a navigational instrument for global travelers and facilitate the decision-making process of policymakers in the realm of sustainable land resource management in Bangladesh. This study enhances the understanding of the potential of ecotourism and offers valuable insights for advancing responsible and sustainable tourism practices within the nation.

Suggested Citation

  • Muhallil Abtahee & Afra Anika Islam & Md. Nazmul Haque & Hasan Zonaed & Samiha Mahzabin Ritu & Sk Md Imdadul Islam & Atiq Zaman, 2023. "Mapping Ecotourism Potential in Bangladesh: The Integration of an Analytical Hierarchy Algorithm and Geospatial Data," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(15), pages 1-28, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:15:p:11522-:d:1202330
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Jonmenjoy Barman & Somenath Halder & Jayanta Das & Syed Sadath Ali & Fahdah Falah Ben Hasher & Rukhsana & Mohamed Zhran, 2024. "Sustainable Ecotourism Suitability Assessment Using the Intergraded TOPSIS Model in the State of Mizoram, India," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(24), pages 1-31, December.
    2. Donny Juliandri Prihadi & Guanghai Zhang & Ghulam M. Lahbar & Buntora Pasaribu, 2024. "Integration of Community-Based Tourism (CBT) Index and Biophysical Assessment for Sustainable Ecotourism Mangrove: A Case Study of Karangsong, Indonesia," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(7), pages 1-16, March.
    3. Can Bülent Karakuş, 2024. "Assessment of ecotourism potentiality based on GIS-based fuzzy logarithm methodology of additive weights (F-LMAW) method for sustainable natural resource management," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 26(10), pages 27001-27055, October.
    4. Rahman, Md. Hasanur & Tanchangya, Tipon & Rahman, Junaid & Aktar, Most. Asikha & Majumder, Shapan Chandra, 2024. "Corporate social responsibility and green financing behavior in Bangladesh: Towards sustainable tourism," Innovation and Green Development, Elsevier, vol. 3(3).

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