Tuhin SarwarBangladesh Tourism Revolution: Fantasy Kingdom & Resort Atlantis Leading Nation Branding
Travel: Civilization’s First Language
Human history is inseparable from travel. From Ibn Battuta’s 14th-century journey from Africa to Bengal, to the observations of Chinese traveler Xuanzang in Sonargaon, travel has been the conduit for cultural exchange, knowledge transfer, and societal understanding. Even explorers like Vasco da Gama and Columbus reshaped civilization through their voyages.
Modern tourism extends beyond leisure—it represents a global economic sector, social connectivity hub, and a soft power lever for nation branding. According to the UNWTO, international tourist arrivals reached 1.4 billion in 2024, an 11% increase from 2023, highlighting the sector’s economic vitality and universal human curiosity (UNWTO, 2024).
Bangladesh: Untapped Landscapes
Bangladesh is uniquely diverse:
- Cox’s Bazar: The world’s longest continuous beach
- Sundarbans: Largest mangrove forest
- Sylhet: Tea gardens, Ratargul Swamp Forest, and lush green highlands
Cultural heritage is equally rich:
- Mahasthangarh, Paharpur Buddhist Stupa ruins, Lalbagh Fort, Ahsan Manzil
Well-planned promotion, simplified visas, and modern infrastructure could elevate Bangladesh rapidly on the global tourism map. Theme parks and experiential destinations have increasingly drawn both domestic and international attention (Daily Star Images, 2024).
Concord Group: Corporate Architects
Concord Group has been a pivotal player in Bangladesh’s tourism and entertainment sector, developing Fantasy Kingdom, Resort Atlantis, and other leisure centers including Heritage Park, Water Kingdom, Xtreme Racing, Foy’s Lake Entertainment Complex, and Sea World (Concord Group, 2024).
By integrating theme parks, water parks, go-karting, and Heritage Park in one location, Concord has created a multi-dimensional experiential destination, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors annually.
Fantasy Kingdom: Experiential Realm
Established in 2002, Fantasy Kingdom is Bangladesh’s first world-class theme park, spanning approximately 20 acres (Wikipedia, 2024). Attractions include:
- Thrill rides: Top Spin, Tornado 360, Sky Hopper
- Family & children zones: Interactive play areas
- Relaxation spaces: Cafes, gardens, Heritage Park Corner
The park caters to multi-generational audiences, blending adventure, family-friendly experiences, and leisure.
Resort Atlantis: Integrated Leisure Destination
Adjacent to Fantasy Kingdom, Resort Atlantis Dhaka is a modern stay-and-play destination offering:
- Deluxe and suite accommodations
- Swimming pools and modern restaurants
- Spacious green areas for families and couples
Visitors enjoy a full-day experience: thrilling daytime activities at Fantasy Kingdom followed by restful evenings at the resort (Fantasy Kingdom, 2024).
Economic Impact: GDP, Employment & Budget
Bangladesh’s tourism sector contributed approximately BDT 1.02 trillion (USD 9.5 billion) to GDP in 2023, a 10.6% year-on-year growth. Employment in tourism reached 2.14 million direct jobs (The Bangladesh Monitor, 2023).
Challenges include underfunded tourism budgets, limited international promotion, and seasonal fluctuations in international arrivals (~655,000 in 2024; post-pandemic recovery still underway) (Dhaka Tribune, 2024).
Tourism is no longer merely a leisure industry—it is a strategic economic pillar.
Environmental Sustainability & Eco-tourism
Sustainable tourism is essential to preserve Bangladesh’s rich biodiversity and landscapes:
- Eco-tourism hotspots: Sundarbans, Cox’s Bazar, Bandarban Hills, Ratargul Swamp Forest
- Policies required: water and waste management, energy-efficient infrastructure, and eco-friendly operations (The Bangladesh Monitor, 2024).
Environmentally conscious tourism increases visitor experience while protecting ecosystems.
International Benchmarking & Comparison
Comparisons highlight potential improvements:
- Genting Highlands, Malaysia
- Resorts World Sentosa, Singapore
- Theme park resorts, UAE
Fantasy Kingdom & Resort Atlantis are initial steps; enhanced international-standard safety, clarity, service, and branding could elevate Bangladesh’s global profile (TripAdvisor, 2024).
Tourism, Soft Power & Nation Branding
Tourism conveys Bangladesh’s cultural heritage, history, and family-friendly offerings. Visitor experiences shape perceptions, shared via social media and reviews, creating a lasting soft power impact. High-quality tourism experiences foster international partnerships and attract foreign investment.
Challenges & Strategic Vision
Obstacles include:
- Political instability and election-related tensions
- Fragmented infrastructure
- Limited international promotion
- Absence of a national tourism master plan (Dhaka Tribune, 2024)
Strategic focus on integrated planning, international-standard services, sustainability policies, and joint public-private initiatives can unlock tourism’s full potential.
Conclusion: Bangladesh to the World
Fantasy Kingdom and Resort Atlantis exemplify nation-branding through experiential tourism, combining modern leisure, family-friendliness, international appeal, employment, and economic opportunity.
Bangladesh’s future as a tourism hub relies on blending history, culture, and modern entertainment into sustainable, globally appealing experiences.
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