Report

of the Programme
on
Role of Resorts for SDG

18 December 2016
Arunima Resort Golf Club
H- 53 (Flat D-1), R-01, Block-I, Banani, Dhaka

TRIAB
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Introduction
As per the desire of the Honble Prime Minister of Bangladesh H.E. Sheikh Hasina to
achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) by 2030 with the involvement of all
sectors including private stakeholders, Arunima Resort Golf Club with the Support of
Tourism Resort Industries Association of Bangladesh (TRIAB), organized a programmetitled
Visit Bangladesh: Resorts Role for SDG. Also to mark the Visit Bangladesh 2016 which
has been extended upto 2018 as declared by Honble Prime Minister of Bangladesh H.E.
Sheikh Hasina, Arunima Resort Golf Club organized such a programme.
This is the first-ever high-profileprogramme organized by any tourism related organization as
well as also private sector organization in Bangladesh, which has been done only by Arunima
Resort Golf Club supported by TRIAB this year.
The progamme was held on 18 December 2016 at Samson H. Chowdhury Hall at Dhaka Club
was participated by the President of TOAB, Chairman of TDAB as well as representatives
and leaders of all the tourism stakeholders of Bangladesh including TOAB, TDAB, ATAB,
TGAB as well as academicians like university teachers, tourism researchers, intellectuals,
dignitaries and journalists from both electronic and print media. This programme was wellcovered by the media specially the electronic media (CDs attached).

Objectives of the Programme

The objectives of the programmewere to discuss and take decision how to achieve the
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through developing tourism industry of
Bangladesh;determine the programmeon tourism development (Short, Mid and Long-term) in
line with SDG; engage private tourism stakeholders in achieving the SDG. If we can achieve
the sustainable development goals by 2030, Bangladesh will definitely graduate the midincome generating country before the stipulated time.

Guests and Discussants

H.E. Mr. Rashed Khan Menon, MP, Honble Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism was
present in the programme as the Chief Guest.
Among others, H.E. Dr. Biren Shikder, MP,Honble State Minister for Youth and Sports
and Mr. Muhammad Faruk Khan, MP,HonbleChairman, Parliamentary Standing
Committee on Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism attended the programme as Special
Guests.
Mr. Abul Kalam Azad, Chief Coordinator of SDG Affairs (former Principal Secretary),
Honble Prime Ministers Officeand Mr. S. M. GhulamFarooque, Secretary, Ministry of
Civil Aviation and Tourism also spoke in the programme as Special Guests.
Mr. Aparup Chowdhury, Ph.D, Chairman, BPC and Mr. AktheruzZaman Khan Khabir,
CEO, BTB were present as the guests of Honour.
Ms. Qantara K. Khan, Core Committee of the FBCCI Standing Committee on Sports
Tourism presented the Key-note in the programme.
The programme was presided over by Mr. Khabir Uddin Ahmed, President, TRIAB and
Chairman& MD of Arunima Resort Golf Club,leaders of different tourism related
associations.
The Inaugural speech was given by Mr. Irfan Ahmed, Deputy Managing Director, Arunima
Resort Golf Club and International AffairsSecretary of TRIAB.
The other speakers that discussed the issue in the seminar are Mr. Zamiul Ahmed Zamil,
Chairman, Tourism Developers Association of Bangladesh; Prof. Dr. Saker Ahmed,
Chairman, Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management, University of Dhaka.

Discussions:
The inaugural speech by Mr. Irfan Ahmed, DMD of Arunima Resort Golf Clubmarks on
the issues that, private sector involvement in all the initiatives of the govt. for SDG is
necessary. Tourism industry of Bangladesh can be an effective way for achieving the SDG.
Among the other sectors of tourism in Bangladesh, Resorts are playing a vital role directly or
indirectly in achieving the SDG. Without any incentives of the government, resorts have been
creating jobs for local community, poverty reduction and environmental protection.
Government supports is necessary to reap benefit for local people through tourism.

The Key note presented by Qantara K. Khan has been enclosed as Annexure A.

Followings are the highlight of the Key-note is the following:

The Key-note speaker stated, "Resort owners are also utmost careful about the environment
and they are promoting eco-tourism in the country. Resorts need a separate law and
budgetary allocations." She also pointed out resorts may be allowed VAT exemption for 3-4
years in a row so that they can contribute a lot for achieving SDG.
The Chief Guest H.E. Rashed Khan Menon, MP said, "The government of Bangladesh has
already undertaken various programmes under different ministries in line with the SDGs.
Some specific programmes of tourism development in line with the SDG have also been
stressed."

H.E. Rashed Khan Menon, MP

He requested all to work together to reach the target of SDGs. Mr. Menon pointed out, The
present government is much keen to develop tourism, as this industry can create more jobs
than other sectors. BPC and BTB undertaken various programmes in line with the SDG. The
year-long event calendar prepared by the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism focusing
the Visit Bangladesh 2016, which is extended to 2018 is more likely to economic
development through tourism. To achieve the SDG through tourism, we need cooperation all
other ministries.
The Special Guest H.E. Dr. Sree Biren Shikder, MP stated, The present government is
focusing much economic development all the nook and corner of Bangladesh. The
government focuses for the balance development. Good environment for work, decent wage
everything are being ensured by the government. Tourism industry is a labor-intensive
industry.

H.E. Dr. Sree Biren Shikder, MP

Mr. Abul Kalam Azad said, Tourism is involved in all the goals of SDG. To promote
sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and
decent work for all, tourism is one of the driving forces of global economic growth."
"Bangladesh can also cash in the potentials of tourism by sustainable development of
tourism,"
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Mr. Abul Kalam Azad

Azad

Mr. Azad added.He stated, The government is putting in much effort to develop the tourism
industry of Bangladesh. The Honble Prime Minister declared 2016 as tourism year. The
government has created more than 100 economic zone. Tourism Park is also being created at
Sabrung, Teknaf.He also portrays a clear picture of Bangladesh development in next 100
years. He expressed his optimism that tourism will be an important sector for economic
development of Bangladesh within next few years. Mr. Azad depicted a ladder of
development through tourism in Bangladesh, which will ultimately help achieving the
SDG.A good number of government officials take resort to corruptions that hinder the
government development initiatives to a great extent. Should they shun the path of corruption
and work with utmost efficiency, Bangladesh can easily achieve the SDG.
Ms. Kyoko Yokosuka, Deputy Country Director of the UNDP Bangladesh office,
appreciates the idea of organizing such an important programme. She said, Bangladesh can
be again leaders for SDG achievement. Tourism is an important industry for socio-economic
upliftment of a nation. Bangladesh has a great potentials for tourism development and earn a
good image. So, the country should utilize the industry for achieving the SDG. However, the
needs industry needs more local and foreign investment.

Ms. Kyoko Yokosuka

Mr. Faruk Khan, MP

Mr. Faruk Khan, MP in his speech expressed much optimism about the tourism industry of
Bangladesh. He also highly appreciate the fascinating idea of Arunima Resort Golf Club. He
said, Tourism of Bangladesh is gradually moving ahead and creating jobs in the industry.
Private tourism stakeholders are the key driving force for achieving the SDG. Tourism
industry needs more investment both domestic and foreign for generating more labour. We
had a good tourism policy and some laws that have focused sustainable development of
tourism industry.

Mr. S. M. Ghulam Farooque

Mr. S. M. Ghulam Farooque expressed his opinion that tourism industry of Bangladesh is
of much potential for employment generation at a faster rate. So, to achieve the SDG, we
should work together. Both the public and private sector should go hand in hand for our
socio-economic development of Bangladesh through tourism. Thus we can reach the SDG.
Mr. Khabir Uddin Ahmed mentioned the role of resorts for employment generation and
community engagement and environmental sustainability, which ultimately contribute to
SDG achievement. He informed the programme, the numbers of resorts are increasing in the
country. The attractions within the resorts are many. Therefore, tourists tend to visit there. He
also opined, if many a number of tourists visit resorts, they would require more work force.
Therefore, resorts are generating more jobs in the tourism sector of Bangladesh. As resorts
need more professional people, the owners train up the work force as well. This training also
helps creating skilled work force for the tourism industry of Bangladesh.
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Mr. Khabir also stress to take sector -wise coherent programmes by the government. He
mentioned, Suppose I am involved in promoting Bangladesh Tourism industry under private
sector initiative. I am the owner of a resort named Arunima Resort Golf Club. I am
contributing to the Bangladesh government in achieving the SDG. I am creating jobs. I am
employing also local people. Local community is being benefitted by me. I am contributing
VAT and Tax to the government exchequer. I am promoting eco-tourism by up-keeping
nature. I have created a bird sanctuary on my own initiative which match the SDG Goals no
8, 12, 14 where tourism has been mentioned. Accordingly, many of my tourism association
members are doing alike.He also put forward some questions, How long private sector will
continue to contribute to achieve the SDG with spending their own money? Here Climate
Change Trust Fund, sustainable development fund may be mobilized to private initiatives like
me.
Other speakers Mr. Aparup Chowdhury, Ph.D, Chairman, BPC and Mr. AkhteruzZaman
Khan Kabir, CEO, BTB pointed out,UN General Assembly adopted the bold 2030 Agenda
for SDG. Among the 17 Sustainable Development Goals and 169 targets, some goals
particularly 8, 12 and 14 are directly concerned with the tourism. The speakers emphasized
the tourism role in employment generation, poverty reduction, economic growth and
environmental sustainability. In the context of Bangladesh, tourism can be an effective tool in
achieving the SDGs. However, the government role is important here. Private tourism
stakeholders, especially resort owners should be brought on board to reach the target.

Aparup Chowdhury, Ph.D

AkhtaruzZaman Khan Kabir

Mr. Zamiul Ahmed Zamil, Chairman, TDAB opined, for achieving the SDG we need to
develop tourism industry of Bangladesh in a sustainable manner. He also added, "Sustainable
tourism development can create more jobs and clean environment. Community engagement is
also an important issue for sustainable tourism development, which resorts are doing." He
also requested the govt. to allocate more budgets for tourism development of the country.

Mr. Zamiul Ahmed Zamil

Prof. Dr. Saker Ahmed, Chairman, Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management,
University of Dhaka, expresses his opinion that tourism industry can surpasses other industry
within a short span of in terms of economic development of Bangladesh. Here, tourism is an
important segment for SDG achievement of Bangladesh.

Prof. Dr. Saker Ahmed

Apart from the above mentioned speakers, some guests from the audience also share views
about the SDG and Development of Bangladesh through tourism.
Md. Ziaul Haque Howlader, Manager, Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation conducted the
programme as Master of Ceremony and worked as Rapporteur.

Recommendations
Out the long analytical discussions and directives from the speakers, the following issues
were focused for the tourism industry of Bangladesh, specially the Resorts for achieving the
SDG by 2030.
(a) Luxurious Transportations for Tourists for Resort: It is necessary for the safety and
security for tourists. With the luxury transportations tourists can go to resort directly
from Airport and visit all the tourists attractions of Bangladesh. And they can again
go back to airport by the same transport, which is seen in developed countries. If
luxury transports are allowed to be imported by the resorts, it will increase their
visitors arrivals and many employment can be generated by the resort owners.
(b) Reduction of VAT: Resorts owners are the highest contributor of VAT to govt.
exchequer at the district level and of all other sectors of tourism industry. But they are
not getting any benefit or incentive from the govt. If govt. reduce the VAT for resorts,
owners can engage more local people and use locally grown foods.
(c) Fund for Community Awareness as well as General Responsiveness: Community
awareness and making them as a resource through training and engaging in tourism
are important issues for sustainable tourism development. The development of
tourism in sustainable way will contribute to Sustainable Development Goals
(SDG).Through awareness programme, we should create a movement for tourism in
Bangladesh. The government officials of district levelsupto all the local government
organizations should be make oriented and responsive to the development of tourism
industry. Therefore, Bangladesh can be a role-model for SDG achievement through
tourism. The government officials must talk about tourism at the root level.
(d) Improvement of last mile connectivity for smooth movement of guests: The last mile
connectivity near the tourist attractions of Bangladesh is still in bad condition.
Somewhere, there is no culvert or bridge. To construct bridges, culverts and last mile
road connectivity can be done with minimum budget. The govt. can do this for
visitors easy and smooth commuting to resorts and other destinations. The easy and
smooth visits will enhance more employment generation, benefit cascade down to
locality.
(e) Create Rules for Resort: There is national tourism policy and laws on Tourism
Protected Area and Exclusive Tourists Zone (ETZ). But we need separate law for
Resort. At least,we need Rules for Resorts.The law on Resorts that have been

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already submitted by the TRIAB to the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism
should be brought under active consideration as early as possible.
Pictures below of the high-profile Audience

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At the Preparatory Meeting for organizing

this SDG Programme. We were at Pizza Hut,
Gulshan-1

The End

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