Significance of Reverse Logistics for Sustainable Tourism in Bangladesh: An Analytical Exercise

One thing that has raised concerns for people across the globe is the rising threats to the environment and the fast-approaching calamity of global warming and climate change. Companies play a key role in contributing to the damage done to the environment on a daily basis. Hence, they need to take sustainability into consideration to reduce their harmful impact on the environment. This study aims to understand the implications of incorporating reverse logistics and waste management practices and the challenges faced by establishments in the urban tourism industry of Bangladesh. Cox's Bazar is home to the largest sea beach in the world and is one of the most visited places by both domestic and foreign tourists in Bangladesh. However, the lack of Sewerage Treatment Plants (STPs) and a poor waste management system has been a major hurdle. This study explored the current condition of waste management practices and the challenges establishments may face if reverse logistics and proper waste management practices are implemented. Through a focused group discussion with key stakeholders, the study found that most establishments still need a sewage treatment plant and, thus, are mishandling wastes, leading to several complications for both the tourists and the local residents. In most cases, recyclable waste is not separated and, therefore, is not being recycled. Mismanagement of waste is also posing a threat to marine life while also contributing to environmental pollution. Irregular waste collection, lack of STPs, lack of segregation of the different types of waste, and many other unsafe practices contribute to several adverse environmental and social outcomes. Despite the lack of proper practices and systems in place at present, the urban tourism industry of Bangladesh is gradually moving towards a greener system with a vision for a central STP system in collaboration with the government. Moreover, some establishments in the industry are engaging in collaborative cleaning and waste prevention practices.