Exploring Tourism Opportunities in Protected Areas of Bangladesh: A Thematic Analysis

Abstract

Despite having tourism potential, research on identifying and utilizing tourism opportunities for tourism development is minimal. Hence the study aims to explore tourism opportunities in protected areas of Bangladesh. The study employs in-depth interviews under a qualitative research approach to achieve the objective. A total of 34 respondents from the stakeholders of different protected areas have been selected purposively. The forest department staff, NGO representatives, local community leaders, hotel and restaurant owners, and tourists are the respondents of this study. Thematic analysis has been applied to analyze the collected data. After analyzing respondents’ responses collected through in-depth interviews, five main themes and 15 sub-themes of tourism opportunities have been identified. Based on the findings, the notable theme, information and communication technology, has been explored as a new dimension of tourism opportunity. The study findings will benefit the concerned authority in understanding tourism opportunities and help to take necessary steps for tourism development.