Collective Efforts Essential for Sustainable Tourism Development in Mirsarai.

Jwel Nag, Mirsarai Correspondent. “The Role of Stakeholders in Sustainable Tourism Development” was held in Mirsarai, Chattogram, a region blessed with abundant natural beauty. The workshop emphasized the importance of coordinated efforts by the government, private entrepreneurs, local administration, and communities to unlock the area's tourism potential. With attractions such as Khoiyachhora and Napittachhora waterfalls, Sonaichhari, Mohamaya Lake, the hills of Hinguli and Korerhat, and the coastal beaches along the Bay of Bengal, Mirsarai is gradually emerging as an attractive destination for domestic and international tourists. Participants noted that developing a well-planned tourism industry around these natural assets could create new opportunities for the local economy and generate employment. The workshop was held at 10:00 am on Wednesday, October 14, at the Mirsarai Upazila Auditorium, organized by the Bangladesh Tourism Board. Abu Selim Mahmudul Hasan, Director of the Bangladesh Tourism Board, inaugurated the workshop by joining virtually. He stressed the need to accelerate tourism development in Mirsarai, a region with significant potential for nature-based tourism, through government initiatives and collaborative efforts by private-sector entrepreneurs. Highlighting the economic significance of tourism, he said that a tourist's journey from leaving home to returning could directly and indirectly generate employment opportunities for approximately 12 people. He added that tourism development could play a vital role in stimulating the local economy, creating jobs, and increasing people's incomes. Mirsarai Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Somaiya Akter emphasized the importance of utilizing the area's natural tourism potential and improving its tourist destinations. She said the authorities had listened carefully to the opinions and suggestions of the participants and that their proposals would be forwarded to the relevant ministry for consideration. Appropriate measures would then be identified to support the development of tourism in Mirsarai. Mirsarai Upazila Land Officer Tanvirul Kader said that coordinated initiatives and long-term planning could help transform Mirsarai into an environmentally sustainable tourism destination while creating new economic opportunities for local residents. The workshop explored the vast potential for developing tourism centered on Mirsarai's hills, waterfalls, coastal areas, rivers, and lakes. Participants emphasized that sustainable development would require environmental and biodiversity conservation, planned infrastructure development, tourist safety, effective waste management, and meaningful participation by local communities. Local journalists, tourism entrepreneurs, community leaders, and administrative officials attended the workshop. local journalist Robi Karim, stand by and delivery his speech as a opinion Considering the influx of local and foreign tourists due to the Mirsarai Economic Zone, the Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation can establish a bar here for the convenience of tourists."