Number of travellers increased, tourists didn't

Though the number of travellers has increased in the country, the number of tourists shrank a lot. Even, the trend of foreign tourism is also lower in the country. A study by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) revealed the information.

According to data, only 5.2 per cent of tourists travel through the country for recreational purposes while 57.38 per cent of people travel for meeting friends and families.

On the other hand, 16.30 people travel in healthcare issues, 3.50  per cent for professional and business purposes and 3.21 per cent for a picnic.

Among the total tourists 8.41 per cent of people travel for recreational and leisure purposes while 91.59 per cent travel for personal purposes.

Alongside, 12.77 per cent travel abroad for entertainment, 15.76 per cent for medical purposes and 45.11 per cent to meet relatives.

Study to address the contribution of tourism industry

The survey was conducted to address the contribution of tourism in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and the number of travellers.

The study started just immediately before the pandemic began in the country in March.

Director of the survey project Tofayel Ahmed said, “It was unknown how the tourism sector contributes to the country’s GDP. It has been addressed through the survey.”

According to the study BBS says, the contribution of the tourism sector to GDP now stands at 3.20 per cent which is equivalent to Taka 77 thousand crore.

Most travel in December

Of those who participated in the survey 13 per cent said, they like travelling in December. Because the weather and environment remain tourism-friendly this time. Besides, the educational institutions are closed. January and June are the next choices.

The people of the Sylhet area travel the most on a regional basis. 17 per cent of the Sylhetians travel. Rajshahi people are next with 15 per cent of the respondents. Dhaka is in third position with 14 per cent while Mymensingh is the least division with 6 per cent of its population.