Sustainable Ecotourism in Bangladesh: A SWOT Analysis of Ecotourism Destinations

Tourism is the world's fastest-growing sector. In the recent era, ecotourism has boosted the tourism sector in Bangladesh as well as the world. This study explores the potential of sustainable ecotourism in Bangladesh with a SWOT analysis method. This research mainly identifies eight key ecotourism destinations, including Cox’s Bazar, the Sundarbans, Saint Martin Island, Kuakata Sea Beach, Madhupur Sal Forest, Sitakundo Eco-Park, Sajek Valley, and Hakaluki Haor, and applies SWOT analysis. By using the SWOT analysis research method, the researcher finds out strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. The ecological, economic, and social benefits of ecotourism are the strength of these destinations. On the other hand, environmental degradation, inadequate infrastructure, and unregulated tourism are challenges these destinations face. There are also opportunities and threats like domestic & foreign income and over tourism & natural disasters. This study provides specific recommendations that are effective for conserving the eco-environment in tourism destinations in Bangladesh as well as the world. This study mainly helps the authority bodies that are responsible for tourism planning and policy making and preserving tourism over the world, including UNWTO, UN, ATAB, WTTC, IATA, and PATA, as well as Bangladesh, including BPC, BTB, and TOAB.