Tourism development and livelihoods of local communities in protected areas of bangladesh

Abstract

Despite having tourism potential, neither protected area tourism flourished in Bangladesh nor substantially contributed to the livelihood of local communities. Thus, the study aims to identify the participants in tourism along with the responsibilities of the stakeholders, the relationship between protected area tourism opportunities (PATO) and protected area tourism development (PATD), and how tourism development is related to the livelihood of local communities. The mediating effects of the stakeholders' (both primary and secondary) actions on the expansion of tourism are also studied. With a solid foundation in the tourism literature, stakeholder theory, and social exchange theory, this study has developed a comprehensive, integrated research model that is laser-focused on the study's objectives. The present research has been carried out in protected areas of Bangladesh. A mixed-method research methodology within the pragmatism research paradigm has been adopted to achieve the purpose of this study. A total of 41 in-depth interviews have been conducted for the qualitative part of the study. The 41 participants in the in-depth interviews included representatives from the forest department, NGOs, private investors, hotel and restaurant owners, tour guides/operators, local transportation providers, local communities, media figures, and experienced tourists following the purposive sampling procedure. The quantitative data for the present study were collected from the respondents through self-administered questionnaires. Respondents who had recently visited the chosen protected areas were surveyed following the purposive sampling procedure using 310 questionnaires. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS) is used to test the theoretical model. Data analysis for structural equation modeling is done in two steps. The measurement model's construct validity of the research variables is evaluated before calculating the structural model (ie., convergent and discriminant validity). The study explores different dimensions of tourism opportunities in protected areas which are grouped into five themes. Among the five themes, findings reveal that Ecological balances are important for tourists as protected area tourism opportunities. However, it is impossible to disregard the importance of infrastructural facilities. The automation of protected areas, digital displays, online booking, and computerized problem-solving are highlighted by respondents. The website does not have any current information about the protected areas; even it is not easily accessible. Utilizing technology could be able to address security and carrying capacity issues. The study finds a significant impact of protected area tourism opportunities on stakeholders and tourism development. The mediating effect of stakeholders in the relationship between PATO and PATD is also significant. However, the livelihood of local communities is partially related to tourism development.