Leveraging Thematic Circuits for BIMSTEC Tourism Development Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand
What
The Asian Development Bank commissioned SW Associates to research and develop a strategy and action plan for thematic circuits within and between the seven countries of the Bay of Bengal Initiative Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation group (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand).
This report sets the stage for developing a comprehensive tourism strategy and action plan to address issues including the severe impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on intraregional and inbound tourism in the BIMSTEC region. The report emphasizes further developing thematic circuits as an important product offer for BIMSTEC member states to boost economic recovery from the pandemic.
Thematic circuits can be effective ways to organize and manage sustainable tourism since they can bring together public and private sector stakeholders to improve destinations along circuit routes. The BIMSTEC Secretariat could be the central catalyst for realizing this vision, addressing the issues, achieving regional objectives, and maximizing the benefits of thematic circuit–driven tourism for all member states.
Core Contents
The report provides:
- An updated BIMSTEC Tourism Action Plan: Addressing Issues and Realizing Circuit Tourism Opportunities
- Sample Circuit Itineraries
- Key Features of Other Asian Region Plans and Strategies
- BIMSTEC Member Summary Tourism Profiles
- Proposed Vision Statement for BIMSTEC Tourism
- Strategic Objectives and Key Action Areas
- Short-, Medium-, and Longer-Term Recommendations for Action
