Introduction Tourism is not a merely hobby a pastime now a days. Rather it has flourished and is known as an industry worldwide. Bangladesh is not an exception in this respect but this industry is not a successful one or a good contributor to our national economy. Every country has some attractive sights which are draw an intention to the investors and thus we can earn a lot of foreign currency. Major portion of the revenue come from the tourism sector .it has become a profitable source of income in many developing countries even in developed countries. The tourism industry produces a lot for the economy of Nepal, India, Maldives etc. neighboring countries of Bangladesh. Lion share of the GDP of Nepal and Maldives come from the tourism sector. On the other hand Bangladesh is now known to the whole world only for tourism as a New Seven Wonders of the World.

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Objectives of the Study The major objectives of the study are to highlight the real picture and description of the different tourist spot in Bangladesh and to identity the present situation, where we like reach in future and also aim to identify the major problem of the tourism industry in Bangladesh. Among them the following objectives are given below: o To give a conceptual idea of tourism industry. o To highlight an overview of different tourist spot in Bangladesh particularly in Chittagong Division. o To show the opinion of local & foreign tourist. o To know the foreign exchange earnings from tourism

o To analyze the problem and give a suggestion. o To put forward some recommendation & conclusion. Methodology of the study My study mainly based on secondary data. I collect data from publication of BPC, precious literature, books, internet and also analyze different research papers, journals, articles, magazines and newspapers which are related to ecotourism and tourism industry. Literature review Tourism Tourism is travel for recreational, leisure or business purposes. The World Tourism Organization defines tourists as people who "travel to and stay in places outside their usual environment for more than twenty-four (24) hours and not more than one consecutive year for leisure, business and other purposes not related to the exercise of an activity remunerated from within the place visited". Tourism has become a popular global leisure activity. In 2007, there were over 903 million international tourist arrivals, with a growth of 6.6% as compared to 2006. Tourism is vital for many countries, due to the income

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generated by the consumption of goods and services by tourists, the taxes levied on businesses in the tourism industry, and the opportunity for employment in the service industries associated with tourism. These service industries include transportation services such as cruise ships and taxis, accommodation such as hotels, restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues, and other hospitality industry services such as spas and resorts. One of the earliest definitions of tourism was provided by the Austrian economist in 1910, who defined it as, "bob total of operators, mainly of an economic nature, which directly relate to the entry, stay and movement of foreigners inside and outside a certain country, city or a region." Hunziker and Krapf, in 1941, defined tourism as "the sum of the phenomena and relationships arising from the travel and stay of non-residents, insofar as they do not lead to permanent residence and are not connected with any earning activity." In 1976 Tourism Society of England defined it as "Tourism is the temporary, short-term movement of people to destination outside the places where they normally live and work and their activities during the stay at each destination. It includes movements for all purposes. (Chittagong tourist spot) Ecotourism There is no universally accepted definition of ecotourism. Perhaps the most over-used and miss-used word in the travel industry. The Ecotourism Society defines it as "responsible travel to natural areas which conserves the environment and improves the welfare of the local people". A walk through the rainforest is not eco-tourism unless that particular walk somehow benefits that environment and the people who live there. Ecotourism has many definitions, but general goal it should provide an opportunity to develop tourism in ways that minimize the industries negative impacts and a way to actively promote the conservation of earths unique biodiversity. If handled properly, ecotourism can be a valuable tool for financing the protection of ecologically sensitive areas and the socioeconomic development of populations living in or close to them.(Klaus Toepfer, 2002).So ecotourism tell us that tourist products should be used in such a way that they are not going to be destroyed (Ruby Afroze -2004).

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History of Coxs Bazar The greater Chittagong area including Cox's Bazar was under the rule of Arakan Kings from the early 9th century till its conquest by the Mughals in 1666 AD. When the Mughal Prince Shah Shuja was passing through the hilly terrain of the present day Coxs Bazar on his way to Arakan, he was attracted to the scenic and captivating beauty of the place. He commanded his forces to camp there. His retinue of one thousand palanquins stopped there for some time. A place named Dulahazara, meaning "one thousand palanquins", still exists in the area. After the Mughals, the place came under the control of the Tipras and the Arakanese, followed by the Portuguese and then the British. It was settled by Dr. Cox.The name Cox's Bazar/Bazaar originated from the name of a British East India Company officer, Captain Hiram Cox who was appointed as the Superintendent of Palonki (today's Cox's Bazar) outpost after Warren Hastings became the Governor of Bengal following the British East India Company Act in 1773. Captain Cox was especially mobilized to deal with a century long conflict between Arakan refugees & local Rakhains at Palonki. The Captain made significant progress in rehabilitation of refugees in the area, but had died (in 1799) before he could finish his work. To commemorate his role in rehabilitation work a market / bazaar was established and was named after him as Cox's Bazaar (market of Cox). Cox's Bazar thana was first established in 1854 and a municipality was constituted in 1869. After the Sepoy Mutiny (Indian Rebellion of 1857) in 1857, the British East India Company was highly criticized & questioned in humanitarian ground specially for its Opium trade monopoly over the Indian Sub-Continent. However after getting dissolved on January 1, 1874, all of company's assets including its Armed Forces were acquired by the British Crown. After this historic take over, Coxs Bazar was declared as a district of the Bengal Province under the British Crown.

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After the end of British rule in 1947, Cox's Bazar remained as a part of East Pakistan. Captain Advocate Fazlul Karim, the first Chairman (after independence from the British) of Cox's Bazar Municipality established the Tamarisk Forest along the beach to draw tourist attention in this town and also to protect the beach from tidal waves. He also donated many of his fathers in laws and his own lands for establishing a Public Library and a Town Hall for the town. He was inspired to build Cox's Bazar as a tourist spot after seeing beaches of Bombay and Karachi, and one of the pioneers in developing Cox's Bazar as such. He founded a Maternity Hospital, the Stadium and the drainage system by procuring grants from the Ford Foundation and Rockefeller Foundation through correspondence. Mr. T. H. Matthews, the principal of the Dacca Engineering College (1949~1954) was his friend who had helped him in doing this. Engineer Chandi Charan Das was the government civil engineer who had worked on all these projects. In 1959 the municipality was turned into a town committee. In 1961 the erstwhile Geological Survey of Pakistan initiated investigation of radioactive minerals like monazite around the Coxs bazar sea-beach area and a number of precious heavy minerals were identified the same year. (wikipedia, Coxs Bazar) Prospects of Tourism in Bangladesh Though Bangladesh is not rich industry but Bangladesh has significant and rich resources for this industry. She has got huge possibilities to prosper the industry. Bangladesh possesses of lot of attractive spots or places or centers to reform and represent. If Bangladesh maintained, reconstructed and utilized in a proper way to get the visitors worldwide through the attractive package, propaganda and advertisements the tourism industry could be the highest source of income earning for the national economy (Zahirul, 2005).

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Chittagong the Commercial Capital of Bangladesh The commercial capital and the largest international seaport o Bangladesh, the healthy city declared by UNESCO, Chittagong in located in a charming surroundings of large hill forests and lakes. Its really an amazing vacation spot. Its green hills and forests, broad sandy beaches and fine cool climate always attract holiday makers. I combine the hum to a restless sea- port with the pleasure of charming hill-town with its rolling topography. Chittagong is connected with Dhaka by rail, road, air and water. It is also connected with Cox's Bazar, Kolkata, Pukhet, Singapore and Middl East by air. Bangladesh Biman and Private GMG airlines operate daily services from Dhaka to Chittagong. Description of Chittagong District Chittagong, the second largest city of Bangladesh and a busy international seaport, is an ideal vacation spot. Its green hills and forests, its broad sandy beaches and its fine cool climate always attract the holiday-markers. Described by the Chinese traveler poet, Huen Tsang (7th century A.D) as "a sleeping beauty emerging from mists and water" and given the title of "Porto Grande" by the 16th century Portuguese seafarers. Chittagong combines remains true to both the descriptions even today. It combines the busy hum of an active seaport with the shooting quiet of a charming hill town. (Shamsuddoha,) The Shahi Jama-e-Masjid and Qadam Mubarak Mosque are two of the most impressive buildings in the city. It's also worth visiting the Ethnological Museum in the Modern City which has interesting displays on Bangladesh's tribal peoples. There are good views and cooling breezes from Fairy Hill in the British City in the north-western sector of the city. Chittagong is the country's chief port and is the main site for the establishment of heavy, medium and light industries. Bangladesh's only steel mill and oil refinery are also located in Chittagong. Language: Bangla, English is spoken and understood.

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Wearing Apparel: Tropical in summer and light woolen in winter. Parjatan facilities for Tourists in Chittagong Motel Shaikat at Station Road is a good Motel for budget tourists. It has 2 AC suites; 13 AC Twin Rooms; 13 non-AC Twin Rooms; Shaikat Restaurant-60 seating, Tourist Information, Phones: 619514, 619845, and 611046-8. Other hotels in town are Hotel Agrabad, Hotel Shahjahan, Hotel Miskha, and Hotel Safina & Hotel Hawaii.

Communication & Transport: Chittagong is connected by road and rail with rest of the country. Air link is available with Dhaka and Calcutta. Car Rental: Rent-A-Car facilities are available for city sightseeing and trips to Rangamati, Cox's Bazar, Sitakunda and other touristically important places. Hill Districts: The Hill Tracts is divided into three districts, namely Rangamati, Khagrachari and Bandarban. From Chittagong a 77 km. road amidst green fields and winding hills will take you to Rangamati, the headquarters of the Rangamati Hill District which is a wonderful repository of scenic splendors with flora and fauna of varied descriptions. It is also connected by water way from Kaptai. For visit of foreign tourists to the Hill Districts prior

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permission from the Government is required which can be arranged through Tour Operators & BPC.

The Hills: The Hill Tract is divided into four valleys surrounded by the Feni, Karnaphuli, Sangu (Sankhu) and Matamuhuri rivers and their tributaries. The ranges or hills of the Hill Tracts rise steeply thus looking far more impressive than what their height would imply and extend in long narrow ridges. The highest peaks on the northern side are Thangnang, Langliang and Khantiang while those on the southern side are Ramu, Taung, Keekradang, Tahjindong (4632 ft, highest in Bangladesh), Mowdok Mual, Rang Tlang and Mowdok Tlang. The forests: The valleys of the Hill Tracts are covered with thick planted forests. The vegetation in semi-evergreen to tropical evergreen dominated by tall teak trees. The natural vegetation can be seen best in the Rain-khyong valleys of the Bandarban district. This district provides the country with valuable wood used for various purposes, besides supplying wood and bamboo for the Karnaphuli Paper Mills and the Rayon Mills situated at Chandraghona. Here a tourist may be lucky to see how huge logs of wood are being carried to the plain by the tamed elephants. Climate: There are there main seasons, the dry season (November to March), which is relatively cool, sunny and dry, the pre monsoon season (April and May), which is very hot and sunny with occasional shower, and the rainy season (June to October), which is warm, cloudy and wet.

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Tribal life: The inhabitants of the Hill Tracts are mostly tribal. Life of the tribal people is extremely fascinating. Majority of them are Buddhists and the rest are Hindus, Christians and Animists. Despite the bondage of religion, elements of primitiveness are strongly displayed in their rites, rituals and everyday life. The tribal families are matriarchal. The women-folk are more hard working than the males and they are the main productive force. The tribal people are extremely self-reliant, they grow their own food, their girls weave their own clothes and generally speaking, they live a simple life. Each tribe has its own dialect, distinctive dress and rites and rituals. The common feature is their way of life which still speaks of their main occupation. Some of them take pride in hunting with bows and arrows. Tribal women are very skilful. (Bangladesh travel guide, 2009)

Tourist spots in Cox's Bazar District. Cox's Bazar and Tourism: By popular choice, Cox's Bazar has recently been ranked as one of the `New Seven Wonders of the World'. A favourite spot for many in Bangladesh, this fishing port with its adjoining and unbroken 125 km of natural, gentle, sloping sandy beach, has once again emerged as an important potential tourist destination. Chittagong, in South Eastern Bangladesh, I travelled to that charming town by bus from Chittagong. It took about three and half hours to complete the distance. There was also the possibility of flying into Cox's Bazar from Dhaka and Chittagong but I went by bus to find out whether road conditions were difficult and whether access was hampering tourism into that region. I must admit that the meandering road was relatively narrow, but the surface conditions were quite good. The bus in which I traveled was also quite comfortable. Located 150 km south of

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I met several young entrepreneurs who were involved in arranging domestic transportation for visitors to take them to nearby religious centers- of interest to the Buddhist communityor to other scenic spots like Aggmeda Khyang: a large Buddhist monastery or to Ramu (with its many temples, khyangs and pagodas containing delicate wood carvings and images of Buddha in gold, bronze and other metals inlaid with precious stones). I also came across weavers who were working their trade in open workshops and craftsmen making handmade cigars in their pagoda like houses. There was also a small market where sea products made out of pearls, oyster and snail shells were available. Similarly, there was evidence of small-scale agriculture, marine and inland fishing and salt production along the coast. There was also the all-pervading smell of drying fish and `shutki' which is famous in Coxs Bazar but (not necessarily always welcome to international visitors). The adjoining regions near the beach were filled with hotels, guest houses and motels. There was also evidence that the real estate industry was busy not only in building apartment blocks but also in trying to sell the western idea of time-sharing ownership contracts. Day by day, the Coxs Bazar is the developing. Three stars, four star even five star hotels have established in this city. This was interesting. . Some hotel tourist operators also took the opportunity of our attendance to remind us of our proximity to other nearby probable touristic destinations near the Cox's Bazar coast. They drew our attention to the charms of Maheshkhali island, its mangrove forests, its temples and pagodas; to the beauty of Sonadia island, its coastal lagoon, its migratory bird population and its beds of window pane oysters; to Teknaf (the southernmost part of mainland Bangladesh) and its facility of river cruises along the Naf river and also of eco trips to St. Martin's island, home to several endangered species of turtles and coral reefs. The visit indicated that there was immense potential for tourism. It also clarified some of the obstacles that were affecting growth of international interest in this sector in this region. I consider that the following points need to be addressed with greater seriousness if we are to achieve the promise of this destination. I felt that there is need for arranging greater security for visitors, particularly women and children. Concerted efforts must be undertaken to free the different spots near the beach from the pestering beggars. That is required to help improve the image. The Municipal authorities also need to give sufficient attention towards sanitation and drainage

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(overflowing sewage) and destroying the breeding zones of mosquitoes. In addition, most of the town looks run down and could do with a coat of fresh paint. That would brighten up the atmosphere. The pitiable street lighting also does not inspire confidence for a walk in the evening along the coast-line with one's family. There is also practically very little to do after the sun sets - where visitors can enjoy their evenings either listening to music or having a decent meal in clean surroundings, overlooking the sea. In addition, there is the question of having clean public toilets near the beach and sufficient changing rooms so that bathers and visitors can take a shower with normal water and then wear dry clothes after a swim in the sea. This could be made sustainable by making them available on payment basis. Lastly, there is need for the domestic tour operators to ensure that there is an increase not only in the frequency of flights and passenger capacity into Cox's Bazar per day from different points within Bangladesh (to facilitate domestic tourism) but also from neighboring points like Kolkata, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and Kathmandu. This might need improving the existing runway to handle bigger aircrafts. This will then enable international tourists to take a break in that town on their way to Kathmandu or back to Bangkok or Kuala Lumpur. The above improvements will need investment and additional resources. However, that expenditure could be met through public-private partnership. Capacity building within the tourism sector would also provide additional employment opportunities in the services sector. . Miles of golden sands, sun bath ,serfing, fishing diving towering cliffs, surfing waves, rare conch shells, colorful Pagodas, Buddhist Temples and delightful sea-food - all this makes what Cox's Bazar is today , the tourist capital of Bangladesh. There are also five star hotels, international golf ground, food court, swimming pool; shooting club etc. will be the magnetic sectors to the place. The World's longest uninterrupted (120 km.) beach slopes here down to the blue waters of the Bay of Bengal against the picturesque background of a chain of hills covered with deep green forests. Cox's Bazar is one of the most attractive tourist spots in the world. The warm, shark free, waters are good for bathing and swimming & while the sandy beaches offer opportunities for sun-bathing. The beauty of the settingsun behind the waves of the sea is simply captivating. Locally made cigars and handloom

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products of the tribal Rakhyne families are good buys. Located at a distance of 152 km. south of Chittagong, Cox's Bazar is connected both by air and road from Dhaka and Chittagong. Visit to the fascinating picnic spots at Himchari and Teknaf, the Buddhist Temple at Ramu and nearby islands of Sonadia and St. Martin's, Inani Beach and Moheshkhali are certain to become unforgettable experiences for every visitor. The Cox's Bazar Holiday Complex of Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation, the National Tourism Organization is an ideal tourist resort having a number of facilities for the visitors Cox's Bazar, arguably the best tourist spot in Bangladesh, is visited by a large number of tourists from Britain, America, Korea, Japan, India, Nepal, Pakistan and many more countries each year. Though there is no specific record in Bangladesh Porjatan Corporation (BPC) on how many people usually visit Cox's Bazar each year but an AFP report says that during the winter 10,000 available rooms in the beach area hotels usually remain occupied almost seven days a week. Accommodation near the beach varies from an expensive range to a reasonable price. Many private hotels, BPC Motels and two Five Star hotels are located near the beach. Coxs Bazar, mostly famous for its beautiful sea beach and the sunset, has several other attractions. Source: (Coxs Bazar and Tourism) Laboni Beach: This is the main beach of Cox's Bazar is considered the main beach due to the fact that it is closest to the town. Close to the beach, there are hundreds of small shops selling souvenirs and beach accessories to the tourists. Inani Beach Inani is within Ukhia Thana, 35 km. to the south of Cox's Bazar. With green hills to the east, the golden beach of Inani casts a music spell on anyone stepping on to its fine golden sands. The clean blue waters of the Bay are ideal for swimming.It is about 32 km. South of Cox's Bazar and just on the beach, with the sea to the west and a background of steep hills to the east. Inani casts a magic spell on those who step into that dreamland. It is only half an hour's drive from Cox's Bazar and an ideal place for Sea-bathing and picnic (Bangladesh Porjatan Corporation)

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Himchari: It is about 32 km. South of Cox's Bazar along the beach, a nice place for picnic and shooting. The famous "Broken Hills" and waterfalls here are rare sights. (Bangladesh Travel Guide) Dulahazara Safari Park: Dulahazara Safari Park is the only Safari Park in Bangladesh. The nature of the forest is tropical evergreen and rich with Garjan, Boilam, Telsur and Chapalish along with herbs, shrubs and creepers. Safari Park is a declared protected area where the animals are kept in fairly large area with natural environment and visitors can easily see the animal when ever they visit by bus, jeep or on foot. The park was established in 1998 with the major goal of serving the national need of biodiversity conservation education, research, recreation and in-site and ex-site conservation of the threatened, extinct and endangered animals. The park itself protects a large number of wild elephants which are native to the area. In the safari park there are domesticated elephants which are available for a ride. Other animal attractions include lions, Bengal tigers, Crocodiles, Bears, Chitals and lots of different types of birds and monkeys. Since the park was made open to the public, it has been drawing a huge crowd all year round 6,000 visitors daily during peak season (November to March) and 2,000 visitors daily during off season is April to October.(Bangladesh News, 2007) Ramu: This is a typical Buddhist village, about 16 km. from Cox's Bazar, on the main road to Chittagong. There are monasteries, khyangs and pagodas containing images of Buddha in gold, bronze and other metals inlaid with precious stones. One of the most interesting of these temples is on the bank of the Baghkhali River. It houses not only interesting relics and Burmes handicrafts but also a large bronze statue of Buddha measuring thirteen feet high and rests on a six feet high pedestal. The wood carving of this khyang is very delicate and refined.The village has a charm of its own. Weavers ply there trade in open workshops 13

and craftsmen make handmade cigars in their pagoda like houses. (Bangladesh Tourist Guide) Sonadia Island: It is about seven kilometer of Cox's Bazar and about nine square kilometer in area. The western side of the island is sandy and different kinds of shells are found on the beach. Off the northern part of the island, there are beds of window pane oysters. During winter, fisherman set up temporary camps on the island and dries their catches of sea fish. (Bangladesh Porjatan Corporation,)

St. Martin Island Information Finding your way around water para is simple as there is only one tarred street, opposite the landing point on the beach, where the island's shops and restaurant are located water Para Boasts a primary and high school, as well as a post office, police station and a border patrol, a barber and tailor, a generator and a cyclone warning center and shelters. The people there are very friendly, and will most likely to invite you for a cup of tea. Places to stay: One of the Islam's two cyclone shelters serves as a rest house. From the landing, you will find it about I 300m south sown the beach. It is a concrete. Building on stills overlooking the sea. It has only one room with two beds, mosquito nets and bathroom that doesn't work. The cost is Tk. 100 a night. A better choice is the day of Bengal cottage a family home. The cost is Tk. 100 a Person including two meals a day. One of the new hotels opening on the island is the green abakash hotel which has eight double rooms with attached bathroom for Tk. 700. The hotel also has a restaurant.

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Forty-eight kilometers from Teknaf, St. Martin's is the country's only coral island and an unspoilt paradise. Named Narikel Jinjira (Coconut Island) by the locals, the dumbbell shaped St.Martin's has an area of only 8 sq. km. which reduces to about 5 sq. km. and in places from 1-4 meters during high tide. (Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation) The Cox's Bazar Holiday Complex of Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation on the island is a shore tourist resort having comfortable accommodation, catering, sightseeing and other facilities.This small coral island about 10km (6mi) south-west of the southern tip of the mainland is a tropical clich, with beaches fringed with coconut palms and bountiful marine life. Theres nothing more strenuous to do here than soak up the rays, but its a clean and peaceful place without even a mosquito to disrupt your serenity. Its possible to walk around the island in a day because it measures only 8 sq km (3 sq mi), shrinking to about 5 sq km (2 sq mi) during high tide. Most of islands 5500 inhabitants live primarily from fishing, and between October and April fisher people from neighboring areas bring their catch to the island''s temporary wholesale market. A ferry leaves Teknaf for St Martin every day and takes around 3 hours. Getting to St. Martin''s is a three-step program. First we will needs to fly or bus it down to Cox''s Bazar, and then catch a bus to Teknaf, which is right on the very tip of Bangladesh, sandwiched up against Myanmar. From Teknar, ferries run daily to St. Martin Island. The total distance from Dhaka to the island is 510km (316mi). A small island in the northeast part of the Bay of Bengal, about 9 km south of the tip of the Cox's Bazar-Teknaf peninsula. It is the only coral island in Bangladesh. It is about 8 km west of the northwest coast of Myanmar at the mouth of the Naf River. The local name of the island is "Narical Gingira", also spelled "Narikel Jinjera", translated from Bangla, meaning 'Coconut Island'. St. Martin's Island has become a popular tourist spot. Three shipping liners run daily trips to the island. They are Kutubdia, Sea-Truck and KearySindbad. Tourists can book their trip either from Chittagong or from Cox's Bazar. The surrounding coral reef of the island has an extension named Chera Dwip. The island is home to several endangered species of turtles, as well as the corals, some of which are found only on this island. (Bangladesh Travel Guide). Chakaria:

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One of most large area in Cox's Bazar.. Tourist Spots in Chittagong District. Parki Beach. Parki beach is situated in Gahira, Anwara thana under southern Chittagong region. The beach lies about 28 km. away from Chittagong city. As the beach is situated at the Karnaphuli river channel, visitors can view both the Karnaphuli River and the sea together. Tourists enjoy the views of big ships anchored at the outer anchor, fishermen catching fish in sea, sunset, various colored crabs at the beach, and quiet environment. In picnic season, many visitors come to the beach. (Bangladesh Porjatan Corporation) Location and transportation Parki beach lies at Karnaphuli river channel, which is about 8 km. from Anwara thana and 28 km. away in the southern part of Chittagong city. This sandy beach is about 15 km. long and 300 - 350ft. wide with 20 km tamarisk forest created by the forest division. Anwara thana is 20 km from Chittagong. Anwara thana is connected by road with Chittagong Cox's Bazar highway and is accessible from all over Bangladesh including Dhaka city. The beach is located 8 km. away from the Chatri Choumuhoni point in this highway. Tomb of Sultan Bayazid Bostami: Situated on a hillock at Nasirabad, about 6 km. to the north-west of Chittagong town, this shrine attracts a large number of visitors and pilgrims. At its base is a large tank with several hundred tortoises. Tradition has it that these animals are the descendants of the evil spirits (genii) who were cast into this shape because they incurred the wrath of the great saint who visited the place about 1100 years age. (Travel Bangladesh,) World War II Cemetery:

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Second World War warriors graveyards are in this Cemetery. There are 755 graves in this graveyard of the great warriors who died d in world war from1939 to 1945 in Chittagong areas. In this well-preserved cemetery at a quiet and picturesque place within the city lie buried in eternal peace over 700 soldiers from British, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, India, Myanmar, East and West Africa, The Netherlands and Japan who laid down their lives on the Myanmar front during the World War II. Every year a number of tourists come here to visit this Cemetery. (Travel Bangladesh) Shrine of Shah Amanat: The Shrine of Shah Amanat is another place of religious attraction, located in the heart of the town; the shrine is visited by hundreds of people everyday who pay homage to the memory of the saint. (Travel Bangladesh)

Court Building Museum: Situated on the Fairy Hill, this building commands a panoramic bird's eye view of Chittagong. This had been the scene of intense activity during the independence War in 1971. A museum has been established here. (Travel Bangladesh) Port Area Located near the river mouth of the river Karnaphuli, the Chittagong port has a recorded history from 9th century. Today, this is the principal seaport of the country. Foy's Lake (Pahartali Lake):

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Foy's Lake is one of the major tourist spot in Chittagong city. It is very quiet, crowedless, shaddy and full of green plants. It plays a significant role In the economy of Bangladesh as a best tourist place. It is one of the important tourist spot of Chittagong. Pahartoli of Chittagong, under the high hills, the flowing artificial lake is mainly named the Foy's Lake. For ensuring the supplying of regular water, an engineer named Mr. Mah created this take beside the hills under the rule of British. It was made for supplying water in Railway Factory. With the change of period now it is named Foy's Lake Set amidst picturesque surroundings in the railway township of Pahartali 8 km. from Chittagong this is an ideal spot of outing and picnic thronged by thousands of visititors in every week. Many visitors come from the different area in every week. Parjatan facilities to the tourists at different season .To attract the visitors, they opened the many spots recently they opened the water kingdom spot which is charming for tourists. Transportation and communication system is suitable for the visitors. (Travel Bangladesh)

What are available at Foy's lake? More often known as Foy's Lake This area has boating facilities and is a popular picnic spot, things get hectic on weekends. Earlier in the morning is a nice time to visit. One a cool day, walking is pleasant in the denuded hills around the lake. There is a Zoo here too but it is a wretched place. A high hill near the lake edge affords some grand views of Chittagong & the Bay of Bengal. There are also hanging bridge, natural beauty, international standard motel, resorts, honeymoon shelly, club house, modem restaurant, merchandise & gift shop, etc. Available for children:

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A few interesting games have been recently set Lip for children art Foy's Lake. The various games that are available for the children are family couster, circus train, Shantamaria, Ferries Wheel. Bamper Car, Family swimming, etc. Arrangements for enjoying Lake For enjoying the beautiful, nice and attractive lake there are arrangement of Bumper boat, Big boat, Small boat and Speed boat. The rate of boat fees are. Small boatBig boatSpeed boa tTk.20. Tk.75. Tk.200.

Time & Fees for entrance:Foy's Lake is opened for the tourists from 10 am to 9 pm every day. And it takes TK 60 to entire at Foy's Lake per head. Staying and Fooding at Foys Lake Available hotels and restaurants are there in Chittagong. So a tourist can stay and take food anywhere in Chittagong town. Otherwise, there are international standard hotels are also available at Foy's Lake. Way to go Foys Lake: Foy's lake is not so far from Chittagong city. As it is in the city, taxi or taxicab can be used to go to Foy's Lake. On the other hand to go from G.E.C or Zakir Hossain Road rickshaws and local buses, tempos are also available to go at Foy's lake. It is not so costly to visit an attractive place of Foy's Lake. Mercantile Marine Academy at Juldia: The only training institute of its kind in Bangladesh situated on the month of the river Karnaphuli. Patenga and Fouzdarhat Sea Beaches: It has been observed during the study period that 70% respondents have visited potanga seashore for more than five times. All of the respondents came to potanga for recreation and 67% came to potanga twice or more frequently. 100% respondents came to potanga

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seashore at afternoon, while 87% respondents feel convenient to visit seashore on Friday and only 13% feel better to visit seashore other than Friday.74% respondents have visited potanga sea beach during the November to February and 26% only on the rest of the year. (Akteruzzaman and Ishtiaque 2001) Places to stay and eat: As it is the only one hour way to go to Patenga Sea-beach it can be arranged to stay in Chittagong city. But there is not residential hotel at Patenga sea-Beach. So, at Station Road there is motel Shaikat, Golden Inn, or at Agrabad Hotel Agrabad, saintmartin or any other cheaper hotel can be preferred to stay and eat for the tourism in Patenga Beach. But there are some hotels and restaurants in beach, which are very costly for eating. Main Attraction of Patenga beach: Bird watching enthusiast will find the mudflants near Patenga Beach an excellent high- tide roost for waders, the occasional spoonbilled sandpiper, Nordmans greenshank, and good numbers of great knot and greyrumped tattlers. The best time of year is winter, but bird watching is good from August to May. A mid/late morning high tide is the best time of a day, you'll need tide tables to figure out when to go. Look for a schedule at the BIWTC terminal in Chittagong. There are some mini restaurats in the beach. Chittagong Sea-Port and the Naval off-ice are situated near patenga beach. It many be thought by anybody that it is his first introduction at the time of going to beach. So at first took every body wants to meet to the sandy water of beach and to run of the beach. One can get much pleasure by meeting the bodies with seawater. There are available arrangement to round the sea by +trailer or by speed boat. The best secence on the sea beach is to watch the sun-set secence. Patenga sea-beach attracts a man easily The Patenga beach at Chittagong is one of the most popular beaches of Bangladesh, stretching for miles near at the meeting place of the Bay of Bengal and the river Karnaphuli. Nature lovers come around here to enjoy the scenic sunrise and sunset. Patenga beach is about 22 km. from Chittagong and is approachable by a motorable road.

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On the way to the beach one passes the Patenga Airport. Another ideal picnic spot is the Fouzdarhat sea-beach about 16 km. from Chittagong. Accommodation, sightseeing and car hire services organized by Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation (BPC) may be booked at Tourist Information Centre Ethnological Museum: This museum located in Agrabad is a treasure-house of a variety of tribal culture and heritage of Bangladesh Zia Museum: The government Circuit House where former president Ziaur Rahman was assassinated has been turned into a museum.

Sitakunda : About 37 km. from Chittagong lies an interesting place known as Sitakunda, served by a railway station of the same name. Famous among the many temples in this place are the Chandranath Temple and the Buddhist Temple has a footprint of Lord Buddha. These places particularly the hilltops are regarded as very sacred by the Buddhists and the Hindus. Siva-chaturdashi festival is held every year in February when thousands of pilgrims assemble for the celebrations which last about ten days. There is a salt water spring 5 km. to the north of Sitakunda, known as Labanakhya.

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Chandraghona: Forty-eight kilometer from Chittagong, on the Kaptai Road is Chandraghona where one of the biggest paper mills in Asia is located. Close to the paper mill there is a rayon factory which produces synthetic fibers from bamboo. Source: (Travel Bangladesh in Chittagong Division.)

Photo Gallery

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Patenga Beach

CoxBazar

Parki beach

St.Martin

CoxBazar

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Inani Bridge

Himchari

Geography and climate. CoxBazar

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Inani Beach

Chittagong Fays Lake.

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Chittagong Port. Chittagong

Bayazid Bostami Mazar, Chittagong

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Panoramic view of Foy's Lake, Chittagong

Panoramic view of Chittagong

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Foreign exchange earnings from tourism When considering foreign exchange earning from tourism or receipts, the amount seem rather small. The foreign exchange earnings from tourists and other travelers. The annual growth rate over the last three year is noteworthy. Though tourism has not assumed a significant role in the national economy yet, it is hoped that tourism shall grow to contribute significant to the national economy in the future. Problems of the tourism in Bangladesh Despite of the huge benefits or potentials or sources, Bangladesh could not rise as an attractive tourist centre for the world tourists. There are some problems which are involved in the tourism sector particularly to a tourism sector of Chittagong, as well as cosx Bazar that are Wrong attitude For want of positive approach, there are not many private companies relevant with tourism industry here. The only Govt. agency is Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation. This organization cant be profitable only for lacking in case of infrastructure administrative, propaganda and management as well as our parjatan corporation is not dynamic thats why foreigners are not interested in our tourism industry. The mass media sometimes cant draw an attention of tourists so people from home abroad dont come to pour down water into the seedling of tourism sector in Bangladesh. Infrastructural lacking The modern age demand is quick communication and comfortable journeys but we dont have good network of road and high ways and also telecommunication dont meet the some sectors particularly to Saint Martin area. Our transports systems are not good for the all areas and suffer from the various difficulties AC buses are not available to every spot particularly to a Saint Martin, Parki beach, Bandarban etc. how can the tourism be flourished here? Also hotels motels rest houses or resort is not quite adequate in number. Its general complain that parjantan ask more money from customers than its services.

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Restaurants and food houses are also remain as a great problem making the lacking in this sector. Instable political situation When a country like Bangladesh needs to march forward, it suffers seriously from political unrest and agitation. Lack of compromise, respect for the opponents and patience cause the instability and spread bad name of the country world wide. Goodwill is necessarily for building up the image and its importance for having a potential tourism industry when it is about to face the question of even subsistence let alone flourishment. The sense of insecurity among the tourist is another big hit to the industry. The deteriorating law and order situation dose not ensure the life and property of a tourist. Lack of hospitability A tourist is guest. So it is expectable that he or she faces hostility. When the govt. offices or airport officials make the tourists suffered from unreasonable lengthy procedures every time they will be discouraged. Sometimes illogical higher prices are demanded. Always its great blame and causes to stop the growing up tourism. Unattractive package Offering a good package draws the attention of tourists. Some package is costly and insufficient guide and also an inadequate facility for the tourists.BPC (Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation) always offers some of same package which can not attract to the tourists. As a result number of visitors decreased every year. People like excitement as well as entertainment worldwide. It is not maintained by BPC and it has the least number of guests every year.

Want of new and modern spots

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Visitors and tourists always search for new or enjoyable spots to explore. But Bangladesh has shown ultimate failure in this respect. The tourist spots should be facilitated with all kinds of arrangements or equipments to enjoy. The failure of the Govt. agency in this respect is note admirable. So, tourist seems to be disgusted if they come and if not come they dont have any interest to grow. So from above discussion we can say that major problems are

Lack of proper infrastructure Lack of security Lack of adequate modem communication facilities Absence of private sector investment Lack of transportation facilities Political instability Lack of sufficient package tour Lack of well trained manpower

Some suggestion for improving tourism industry of Bangladesh Having lot of problems, we have brighter futures in tourism. If we tackled the problem with effectively and efficiency then tourism sector will be one of the great sources of earning. There are some suggested measures which are 1. Improvement of hotel facility 2. Law and order situation should be improved 3. Development of well trained tourist guide 4. Increase public awareness. 5. Recreational facilities should be increased. 6. Restaurant facilities should be increased. 7. Provide adequate banking facilities. 8. Construction of modern communication. 9. Govt. should encourage more private investment.. 10. Govt. should create new avenues of tourist spot 11. More hotels and motels should be established.

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12. New tourism package should be included. 13. Develop infrastructure and road network connecting Dhaka with all tourist attraction of Bangladesh. 14. Simplify the visa and immigration formalities. 15. Ensure safety and security for tourists, especially at the tourist sports. Use specially trained-up police in tourism security or tourist Police. 16. Establish coordination among all the concerned ministries, department agencies. 17. Allocate fund in the national budget and initiate immediate loan system for private sector tourism entrepreneurs and tour operators including BPC to create more facilities; 18. Published brochure/catalogue description the attraction of religious heritage products- Muslim relics, Buddhism and Hinduism. BPC can translate its brochures in different languages including Japanese, Chinese and Garman; 19. Establish casino at hill district area and water games facilities at Kaptai Lake. 20. Entrust BPC with the responsibility to issue for registration to hotels /motels and tour operators and strictly monitor the performance and standard of private sector tourism training institutes. 21. Exempt tourism industry from the purview tax and vat at least for 10years 22. Community awareness and participation, social tolerance for tourist should be created. 23. Run tourism business both by the government and private sector simultaneously to maintain the standardization of services.

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Conclusion: Finally we can say that tourism is important sector in Bangladesh. Bangladesh can earn a lot of foreign currency by developing a tourism spots. It increases our GDP as well as it increases our country image. It can also protect the natural beauty. Todays world is completive one. Every kind of talents and resources must have to be utilized properly to materialize the path of prosperity and success of a developing nation like ours. Bangladesh govt. has already declared tourism as on industry in the National Tourism Policy- 1992. So we can say that tourism is very much natural and profitable for Bangladesh. And Govt. should take necessary steps to sustain and develop at right place and right time to attract local as well as foreign tourists.

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Reference: Akteruzzaman, M, Ishtiaque Abu Naser (2001), Potenga Seashore, A Raising Horizon for Tourism: Problems and Prospects, The Chittagong University Journal of Commerce, Vol.16, 2001(p.107-118) Klaus Toepfer, (2002), www.world.tourism.org/sustainable/IYE/launch/Launch.htm Ruby Afroze (2004), Ecotourism and Green Productivity in Bangladesh, Selected country papers, Part-B, Chapter Five. http://www.apo tokyo.org/ gp/ e _p ubli/gplinkeco/07chapter5.pdf Shamsuddoha, M, Onna NEDELEA Marilena Exploring Tourist Spots for Promoting Investments in Tourism Industry of Bangladesh Journal of Tourism, No. 06 http://www.revistadeturism.ro/index.php? option=com_docman&task=doc_download&gid=59&Itemid=32 Starving at Safari Park, Bangladesh News, Sunday, May 20, 2007. www.bangladeshnews.com Zahirul I. (2005) Selected Basic Essay: professor prokoson, Dhaka/2005, 2nd ed.pp (163 165) National tourism organization. Bangladesh Porjatan Corporation website: http://www.bangladeshtourism.gov.bd/accomodation1_dhaka.php Bangladesh travel guide website: http://www.discoverybangladesh.com/dream_dest_coxsbazar.html Wikipedia Coxs Bazar website: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cox's_Bazar National tourism organization, Bangladesh Porjatan Corporation website: http://www.bangladeshtourism.gov.bd/beach_coxs.php

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National tourism organization, Bangladesh Porjatan Corporation website: http://www.bangladeshtourism.gov.bd/beach_parki.php National tourism organization, Bangladesh Porjatan Corporation website: http://www.bangladeshtourism.gov.bd/beach_stmartin.php Bangladesh travel guide website: http://www.discoverybangladesh.com/dream_dest_chittagong.html National tourism organization, Bangladesh Porjatan Corporation website: http://www.bangladeshtourism.gov.bd/beach_patenga.php Chittagong Division, Travel Bangladesh website: http://travel.discoverybangladesh.com/travel-chittagong-cemetery-museum.html Chittagong Division, Travel Bangladesh website: http://travel.discoverybangladesh.com/travel-chittagong-port-shrines-lake.html#2 Chittagong tourist spot website: http://www.bdonline.com/tourism/acco.htm Chittagong tourist spot website: http://www.bdonline.com/tourism/spots/chitta.htm Coxs Bazar, Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tourism

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