An Analysis of the Challenges and Prospects of Tourism Sector of CHT: A Study on Khagrachari

Tourism is the most emerging industry in the world. Before the pandemic, it was very much growing. It has a great contribution to national GDP as well as global GDP. According to World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), in 2019 tourism sectors have contributed 10.4% of the global GDP which is equal to US$ 9.2 trillion to the global Gross Domestic Product (GDP) whereas in 2020 tourism sectors have contributed 5.5% of the global GDP which is equal to US$ 4.7 trillion to the global Gross Domestic Product (GDP). In 2019 tourism sectors have created 334 million jobs which were 10.4% of total employment in 2019 but in 2020, 62 million jobs were lost, representing a drop of 18.5%, leaving just 272 million employed across the sector globally. It has been found out that during 2014-2019, 1 in every 4 net new jobs created across the world is in the travel and tourism field but in 2020 it is only 1 in every 11 net new jobs created. This research paper has been conducted on the problems and prospects of the tourism sector of khagrachari one of the hill districts of Chittagong hill tracts (CHT). Khagrachari is a very popular and attractive tourist destination for both domestic and foreign tourists. The challenges that the researchers had found out through this research paper are Transportation facilities, Electricity service, accommodation facilities, Security, the interest of local tourists, Condition of roads and highways, internet service, Tourist guides, information regarding tourist spots. Besides, prospects that were found through this research paper are tribal foods, bridges are under construction, employment opportunity, Income level, Standard of living, Crime reduction, beautification, economic development. Finally, here the researcher has provided some recommendations for overcoming these challenges. Keywords: Tourism, CHT, Challenges, Prospects. DOI: 10.7176/EJBM/13-18-05 Publication date:September 30th 2021