Destination development plan for Cox's Bazar

The International Labour Organization (ILO), with the support of Global Affairs Canada (GAC) through the “Leaving No One Behind: Improving Skills and Economic Opportunities for Women and Youth in Cox’s Bazar (ISEC)” project, has developed the Destination Development Plan for Cox’s Bazar (2025–2027) in close collaboration with national and local government institutions.

Over the past two years, the ILO has worked intensively to advance sustainable, inclusive, and community-based tourism across Cox’s Bazar. This process involved extensive field assessments, market actor consultations, and participatory planning with district and subdistrict authorities. Eight high-potential destinations, Pechardwip, Sonadia Island, Moheshkhali, Ramu, Himchari, Inani, Patuartek, and Mini Bandarban, were identified and profiled using sustainability, accessibility, cultural value, and community engagement criteria.

The plan builds on strong institutional collaboration with the Office of the Deputy Commissioner (DC Office), sectoral departments including the Forest Department, Department of Environment, Department of Youth Development, Department of Women Affairs, LGED, DPHE, Fisheries and Agricultural Extension, and the strategic inputs of the Cox’s Bazar Development Authority (CDA), Bangladesh Tourism Board, and Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation.

Local governance structures were strengthened through the revitalization of the District Tourism Development Committee (DTDC) and the formation of Upazila Tourism Development Committees (UTDCs) across all nine Upazilas. Convened under the leadership of the Upazila Nirbahi Officers (UNOs), these platforms now serve as institutional mechanisms for coordinated tourism planning, destination management, and community participation.

The resulting Destination Development Plan offers a forward-looking framework that aligns tourism growth with environmental stewardship, cultural heritage, skills development, and inclusive economic opportunities, particularly for women and youth. It reflects ILO’s integrated approach to local economic development and the strong joint commitment of government institutions, private sector stakeholders, and community representatives.