Potential of Archaeological Heritage-Based Homestay Tourism in Bangladesh: A Case from Mahasthangarh

Md. Rifat-Ur-Rahman

Abstract

Homestay is an effective form of sustainable tourism where tourists can learn about the community’s cultural identity and natural resources. Along with the tourism trend, homestays are also increasing globally. This study aims to explore and develop an archaeological heritage-based homestay tourism management model in Bangladesh, specifically to verify the possibilities of homestay tourism based on Mahasthangarh, a prosperous ancient urban centre formerly known as Pundranagara (300 BCE). Hence, the people of Bangladesh are known worldwide for being very hospitable. As a result, how can sustainable homestay tourism be developed in this country through the community living adjacent to the archaeological heritage of Bangladesh? Considering this question, a month-long ethnography following a qualitative approach beginning in 2023 was conducted in Mahasthangarh. The result obtained from this study has shown that homestay tourism can play an effective and helpful role in solving many problems, particularly financial constraints.

Conclusion

Although Bangladesh is an agricultural-based rural country, if a sustainable tourism plan can be formulated around the diverse archaeological heritage of the country, employment opportunities will be created for the country’s unemployed youth. Simultaneously, the way of revenue generated will be widened, but, before that, numerous research based on homestay tourism should be conducted so that the archaeological heritage of this country is not damaged in any way in the name of tourism.

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