Value Chain Analysis for Tourism Services in Bandarban District, Bangladesh

Bandarban is a hidden paradise in Bangladesh away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Though not developed for tourism activities yet, today or tomorrow it will be one of the heavens for eco-tourism. Tourism is seasonal in pattern in Bandarban. Proper management of available tourism resource can ensure poverty alleviation and economic development of the destination. From this paper it was found that Bandarban is a destination for young people as it attracts them for adventure tourism. Almost all of them visit Bandarban without taking any service from tour operator or travel agent. Most of them travel to Bandarban with their friend circle. Purpose of their visit is adventure (70%) and leisure and recreation (26%). This study highlighted the current scenario of Bandarban, identified the tourism resources as mean of economic development, enlisted the zones of tourism development in Bandarban, SWOT analysis and developed value chain mapping in order to uplift the tourism business and community of the destination. Finally, the study tried to identify the huge potentials vis-à-vis the limitations of developing tourism sector in that hilly region of Bandarban in Bangladesh.