Global Journal of Management and Business Research, F: Real Estate, Event and Tourism Management, Volume 22 Issue 3

© 2022 Global Journals 55 Global Journal of Management and Business Research Volume XXII Issue III Version I Year 2022 ( ) F River Tourism in Bangladesh: Present Status and Future Prospects Source Deloped by Author, 2022 Figure: Targeted Tourists Segment for River Tourism This segmentation is done through a distinct field survey. Around 50 people of different ages were taking part in this survey. It is notified that adventure lover tourists, Community-based tourism lover tourists, and nature lover tourists are interested in river tourism. Adventure lover tourists are mostly coming from young age people. Moreover, tourists from different countries are also interested to take part in river tourism in Bangladesh. They want to explore the scenic natural beauty of Bangladesh through river tourism. Overall river tourism can support eco-tourism that is environment friendly. a) Unique Characteristics of River Tourism in Bangladesh Historically, people in Bangladesh traveled by boat because the river was the main route for both passenger transportation and carrying goods. Rivers are also major spatial elements of the landscape and constitute a significant tourism resource. River tourism in Bangladesh contains some unique characteristics. Source: Developed by Author, 2022 b) Scopes of River Tourism in Bangladesh The rivers of Bangladesh have several scopes that lead to sustainable river tourism. A good number of direct and indirect facilities are provided by the rivers of Bangladesh that create scopes for river tourism. Direct facilities include: • Riverside areas which are full of natural attraction. • Transport including different types of river vehicles, especially for river cruising. • Providing recreational activities (water sports, swimming, fishing, boat race, and so on). • Direct food supply (fish, drinking water, water-based agriculture for other food sources). The rapid growth of the population in Bangladesh increases the use of river water for human and industrial purposes. Rivers provide some indirect facilities including jetty of water transport, Disposal of human waste, Support industrial activities and waste disposal, Source of hydroelectricity, and so on. c) Major River Tourism activities in Bangladesh River offers an extensive variety of opportunities for recreational and tourist activities. River tourism offers great water adventures experience as well as it provides the most scenic views, diverse wildlife, and flora along the route. River tourism is combined with exciting water- based activities. Major river tourism activities are water rafting, river cruise, fishing, river exploration, boating, kayaking, and leisure activities. Though Bangladesh is the biggest river delta in the world but lacks the necessary river cruising product, river tourism in Bangladesh is still underdeveloped. There are very few river cruising products are available now. River cruises on the Sundarban for a 3 to 4 days night stay is very popular among tourists. a. River tourism is nature-based tourism. b. Attract visitors through the serenity and adventure of mighty rivers. c. River tourism can offer both relaxing and leisure-based tourism activities as well as adventure- based tourism activities. d. Rivers in the countryside are most appealing as they retain much of their natural beauty. e. River tourism can offer various water-based activities, such as fishing, boating, swimming, and so on.