Riverine Tourism Development in Bangladesh: An Empirical Study

Abstract

Bangladesh, a riverine country with over 700 rivers, tributaries, and canals, has long depended on its waterways for livelihoods, communication, and the preservation of natural beauty and cultural identity. These rivers have shaped the country’s geography, culture, economy, and social life for centuries. Within this context, riverine tourism presents a high-potential avenue to diversify Bangladesh’s tourism sector by connecting visitors directly with rivers and their surrounding environments. While the country is widely recognized for coastal, hill, and heritage tourism, riverine tourism remains largely underdeveloped. This study investigates the scope, challenges, and sustainability dimensions of riverine tourism, emphasizing its contributions to socio-economic empowerment, community development, cultural preservation, and environmental sustainability. Guided by the positivist paradigm, the study employed a quantitative research approach to ensure objective, replicable, and evidence-based findings. Primary data were collected through structured questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, field observations, and case studies across key riverine destinations. A purposive sample of respondents including tourists, local residents, tourism service providers, and policymakers was used to ensure representativeness. Secondary data were drawn from government reports, policy documents, academic literature, and comparative case studies from other riverine countries. The survey instrument was validated for content and construct validity, and reliability were confirmed via Cronbach’s Alpha. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including frequencies, percentages, means, and regression analysis, ANOVA and diagnostic tests. Findings indicate that riverine tourism can significantly enhance national economic development, diversify livelihoods, and create local employment. Activities along rivers provide income opportunities for boat operators, guides, artisans, hospitality providers, and associated businesses such as restaurants, handicraft shops, and homestays. Riverine tourism also fosters cultural preservation by promoting traditional practices, festivals, boat-building techniques, indigenous music, and local heritage, while facilitating cultural exchange and reinforcing community identity. Environmentally, sustainable river-based tourism encourages responsible waste management, protection of river ecosystems, and development of eco-parks and regulated recreational activities. iv Key challenges include inadequate infrastructure, limited safety measures, poor transport connectivity, weak policy support, low promotion, and limited community engagement, alongside environmental threats such as pollution and riverbank erosion. To address these challenges, the study advocates for a holistic and integrated approach to riverine tourism development. Key recommendations include strategic investment in infrastructure to improve accessibility and service quality; capacity-building programs to empower local communities to actively participate in tourism management; the implementation of eco-friendly practices to minimize environmental impacts; policy reforms to provide clear regulations, incentives, and frameworks for sustainable tourism; enhanced collaboration among stakeholders, including government agencies, private operators, and local communities; and targeted domestic and international marketing strategies to increase awareness and attract tourists. With strategic planning, investment, and active stakeholder participation, riverine tourism has the potential to become a cornerstone of Bangladesh’s sustainable tourism sector. By balancing economic growth with cultural preservation and environmental conservation, the development of riverine tourism can foster inclusive development, improve livelihoods, promote ecological sustainability, and position Bangladesh as a unique destination for nature-based and cultural tourism experiences.