Ahsanul Mahbub Jubair

After winning the World Cup, the news of Argentine legend Lionel Messi’s change of team was discussed everywhere, A Saudi club or Inter Miami of the MLS, where will he go? The Ministry of Tourism of Saudi Arabia uses the buzz of fans around the world. Messi uploaded photos of Saudi Arabia’s plants and green nature on his Facebook account. He wrote in the caption, ‘Who would have thought that there is such greenery in Saudi Arabia? I seek out such unexpected surprises whenever possible.’

At the end of the caption, use the hashtag ‘VisitsSaudi’. He invited travelers to visit Saudi Arabia. After the contrary, it is known that Messi has become the brand ambassador of Saudi tourism industry, not for any club in Saudi. That’s why he made such a post. The authorities took such an initiative as part of revitalizing the tourism sector in Saudi Arabia.

Tourism industry can be one of the main sources of prosperity of developing countries. Tourist attractions need therefore planned banding. One example of which is the Saudi Ministry of Tourism. The economy of many countries in the world is based on the tourism industry. Neighboring country India’s tourism sector is also quite prosperous. Every year the country does a massive banding of tourism around the IPL. Promote tourism related advertisements with local and foreign players.

Australia attracts international travelers using Instagram’s ‘I Love Australia’ page, which is one of the social media marketing techniques used to promote tourism and help the economy. The Czech Republic, whose capital is Praha (Prague), is focusing on tourism to create jobs and improve socioeconomic conditions by attracting international tourists using the ‘Praha World’ Instagram feed.

One of the most hit sectors during Covid-19 was the tourism industry. Tourism is one of five industries selected by the World Economic Forum as having the potential to restore the economy in the future. This global organization has prioritized tourism, along with other industries, in order to revitalize not only Bangladesh’s but the entire global economy.

Branding is one of the ways to attract overseas tourists. The success of our economy will be determined by how nicely we can brand it. However, despite the fact that our country has a wealth of materials, the individuals who need them are unable to get them. Despite the fact that it adds 100% to the country’s GDP and pays a hefty VAT tax, the tourism sector is not among the top ten sectors in Bangladesh. In addition to increased government policy assistance, national and international branding are required for the growth of this sector with enormous potential.

The Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) reports that the number of foreign visitors visiting the country is steadily falling. In 2019, 6 lakh 21 thousand 131 foreign tourists visited the country. Then, due to the impact of covid-19 in 2020, it decreased to 1 lakh 81 thousand 518 persons. In 2021 and 2022, it will be reduced to one and a half lakh.

Branding is one of the ways to attract overseas tourists. The success of country’s economy will be determined by how nicely we can brand it. However, despite the fact that our country has a wealth of materials, the individuals who need them are unable to get them. Despite the fact that it adds 100% to the country’s GDP and pays a hefty VAT tax, the tourism sector is not among the top ten sectors in Bangladesh. In addition to increased government policy assistance, national and international branding are required for the growth of this sector with enormous potential.

Over the last few years, efforts have been made to promote Bangladesh to the world, including the ‘Beautiful Bangladesh’ branding theme and website. Although this marketing idea was chosen to attract foreign tourists and promote the country’s unique traits, it was not particularly successful. The Bangladesh Tourism Board has launched various attempts to identify new branding themes and famous landmarks, however these have yet to be realized.

Many countries have diverse names to promote their tourist attractions and distinguishing qualities. Bangladesh also sought to be renowned around the world through the ‘Beautiful Bangladesh’ brand. However, ‘Beautiful Bangladesh’ is not appropriate and specific for a tourism attraction. According to tourism experts, every country claim to be attractive. Branding emphasizes special characteristics that no other country possesses. Bangladesh Tourism Board took the effort to change the branding concept of Bangladesh from this realization.

The theme will guide the selection of the country’s top architectural symbols. According to many concerned, the Taj Mahal of India, the Eiffel Tower of France, and the Statue of Liberty represent the United States. Similarly, Bangladesh should choose an icon and take the initiative to make it known over the world.

Professor and head of Dhaka University’s Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management, Santosh Kumar Dev stated that, ‘We have the world’s longest beach, Cox’s Bazar. It is accompanied by the Sundarbans, home of the Royal Bengal Tiger. Kuakata offers views of both sunrise and sunset. There are additional World Heritage sites such as the Six-Domed Mosque. Along with this, Kantji Temple, Jaflong, Sylhet. River-centric tourism includes Ratargul, Bichnakandi, and Tanguar Haor. The northern region is seeing an increase in tourism following the completion of the Padma Bridge. The Karnaphuli tunnel, based on Patenga in Chittagong, is an 80-kilometer marine drive connecting Cox’s Bazar to Teknaf. The Dhaka-Cox’s Bazar railway has been inaugurated. A railway station in the shape of a mussel has been created.

He used the example of Asia’s arch nation, Sri Lanka, to demonstrate how the country has promoted its railway to attract tourists. It can be noticed that the railway line travels along the Indian Ocean’s coastlines; sitting on the train, you will see a lovely view of the Indian Ocean. It can also be mentioned that in our country, there is a railway line that runs along the Bay of Bengal coast all the way to Cox’s Bazar. If the promotion is centered on these tourist destinations, it may be on Facebook, YouTube, or Instagram. It will boost the number of international tourists. Also, when a tourist applies for a visa and sees pictures of tourist attractions and video content on the website, he will want to visit Cox’s Bazar as well as Dhaka and return home. Will go.

Commenting on the importance of branding in tourist attractions, he stated that in this case, we were unable to achieve the intended branding. As a result, if small promotional videos can be used to market on social media, if pages can be opened and boosted in the international market, and if the Beautiful Bangladesh concept or any other branding strategy can be used on Instagram, the number of international tourists in Bangladesh will rise.