Cox’s Bazar Municipality Hosts Regional Training on the Sustainable Tourism Growth, Local Economic Development and Public-Private Collaboration in Bangladesh

Cox’s Bazar Municipality organized a regional campaign and training programme on “Local Economic Development and Sustainable Tourism Growth” on 22 November 2025. It will focus on creating a collaborative platform between the public and private sectors to further growth in the region in order to boost the local economy and promote sustainable tourism. This will be important as Cox’s Bazar positions itself as one of Bangladesh’s premier tourist destinations.

More than 200 participants attended from Cox’s Bazar Municipality, Maheshkhali, Teknaf, and Chakaria, in addition to private-sector leaders, women entrepreneurs, youth, and media representatives. The high level of political support accorded to integrating sustainable tourism into local economic planning was underscored by the presence of Md Rezaul Maqsud Jahedi, Secretary of the Local Government Division, as chief guest.

A Holistic Approach to Sustainable Tourism and Local Economic Growth

Administrator Shamim Al Imran presided over the event, emphasizing how the tourism sector could serve as a catalyst for economic development. The event featured presentations, discussions, and the screening of a documentary, all aimed at promoting local innovation and providing insights into the LED framework. Wahedur Rahman showcased the PRABRIDDHI model, which has already had a significant impact in seven municipalities across the country.

The discussions highlighted the synergies between sustainable tourism and local economic development, pointing out that as the tourism sector grows, it has the potential to directly contribute to job creation, entrepreneurship, and community resilience. The event focused on ways to enhance the tourism experience while integrating environmentally sustainable practices to protect Cox’s Bazar’s natural assets.

The Role of Sustainable Tourism in Local Economic Development

Sustainable tourism is central to the success of Cox’s Bazar’s development as a tourism hub. By integrating environmental stewardship, community engagement, and cultural preservation, the region can offer visitors an authentic experience while boosting the local economy. With PRABRIDDHI driving efforts to empower local communities and entrepreneurs, there’s a significant opportunity to create a long-term model for economic growth that goes beyond simple tourism development.

The event underscored the potential of tourism to drive economic diversification, making it less reliant on traditional sectors like agriculture or manufacturing. By improving infrastructure, strengthening public-private partnerships, and promoting local craftsmanship and entrepreneurship, the tourism sector can serve as a sustainable engine of growth for the entire region.

Public-Private Partnerships: The Key to Unlocking Tourism’s Full Potential

Secretary Md Rezaul Maqsud Jahedi emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships in driving tourism growth and local economic development. “Local Economic Development deserves greater priority for mobilizing local resources, improving business competitiveness, and accelerating local growth,” he stated. These partnerships are crucial to aligning government objectives with private sector capabilities, ensuring that tourism becomes a key pillar of Bangladesh’s economic diversification.

The Municipal Capacity Index introduced during the event will be used to guide resource allocation and encourage performance-based competition among municipalities. This will ensure that local tourism infrastructure is well-managed, sustainable, and responsive to growing visitor numbers.

Tourism Growth in Cox’s Bazar: Increasing Visitor Flows and Expanding Economic Opportunities

As Cox’s Bazar grows as a tourism hub, tracking visitor flows, spending patterns, and labor mobility is critical. The upcoming festive season, one of the busiest travel periods in the country, will see thousands of domestic and international visitors flocking to Cox’s Bazar’s beaches, hotels, and tourist attractions.

By using the data from the tourism intelligence system, local authorities can ensure smoother visitor experiences, better service delivery, and efficient resource management during peak times. This will enhance tourist satisfaction, increase spending, and ultimately create a sustainable tourism model that ensures economic growth without compromising the region’s cultural and natural resources.

Strengthening Local Communities: Capacity Building and Job Creation in Tourism

A major takeaway from the event was the capacity building efforts that will help local communities engage with the growing tourism industry. By offering training programmes on local challenges, economic opportunities, and LED planning, the initiative ensures that entrepreneurs and tourism operators are equipped with the skills and knowledge to thrive in a competitive market.

The tourism sector can also serve as a major job creator for youth and women entrepreneurs, empowering these groups to take ownership of their economic futures. By building local expertise in areas such as tourism management, hospitality services, and event planning, the region can provide both employment opportunities and economic stability for its residents.

A Future of Inclusive Growth for Bangladesh’s Tourism Sector

The partnership between Cox’s Bazar Municipality and PRABRIDDHI is just the beginning of a broader tourism-driven transformation for Bangladesh. As the country’s luxury tourism and eco-tourism sectors grow, Cox’s Bazar is poised to become a key player in the region, attracting more international tourists and investment into its tourism infrastructure.

By integrating climate-responsive strategies, sustainable practices, and public-private collaborations, Bangladesh can ensure that its tourism sector contributes to the long-term economic well-being of local communities, while also creating a globally competitive destination.

Sustainable Tourism as a Catalyst for Economic Diversification

The Local Economic Development and Sustainable Tourism Growth program in Cox’s Bazar presents a pivotal step in furthering Bangladesh’s tourism sector. In placing a strategic focus on sustainability, insights informed by data, and community engagement, this program lays a sound foundation for future tourism growth. Emphasis on job creation, capacity building, and environmental protection ensures that tourism will remain a driver of economic diversification for Bangladesh.

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