Bangladesh’s Tourism Revolution: National Branding Through Fantasy Kingdom & Resort Atlantis
Explore Bangladesh’s tourism future through Fantasy Kingdom and Resort Atlantis.Discover family-friendly attractions, economic impact, sustainability, and nation-branding potential in this investigative report.
Tuhin Sarwar । Journalist । 21 December । 2025 ।
Bangladesh. Bangladesh is often portrayed abroad through narrow lenses: urban density, infrastructure pressures, or climate vulnerability. Yet just beyond Dhaka’s bustling core lies an emergent story that challenges this reductive image one rooted in experience‑driven tourism, family‑friendly entertainment, and strategic destination development. At the heart of this narrative are two complementary local institutions: Fantasy Kingdom Bangladesh and its integrated hospitality partner, Resort Atlantis Dhaka. Together, they reflect a broader shift in how Bangladesh can project its tourism potential onto the global stage.
Travel: The First Language of Civilization
Historical Roots of Human Mobility
Travel has always been part of humanity’s story. The legendary visitor Ibn Battuta, in the 14th century, chronicled his travels from Morocco deep into the Indian subcontinent, including Bengal. Chinese pilgrim Hiuen Tsang journeyed to the region in the 7th century, offering detailed accounts of cultural, economic, and religious life early evidence of cross‑cultural engagement and exchange that predates modern tourism.
These journeys demonstrate that travel is not merely physical movement; it is knowledge exchange, cultural connectivity, and shared human experience.
Modern Tourism as Economy and Soft Power
In the 21st century, tourism has matured into a powerful economic engine and a subtle instrument of soft power. According to the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), international tourism was projected to approach pre‑pandemic 2019 levels by 2024, with global international arrivals nearing 1.3 billion and continuing growth expected into 2025. Nations leverage tourism to broadcast cultural narratives, build international understanding, and strengthen diplomatic ties—functions that extend well beyond mere economic statistics. The Bangladesh Monitor
For Bangladesh, connecting local experience with global expectation provides the opportunity to evolve tourism from a secondary economic sector into a core pillar of national identity and international engagement.
Travel: The First Language of Civilization; Tourism: Modern Economy
Human history is the history of travel. Driven by curiosity, people have always traversed seas, rivers, deserts, and mountains, seeking new stories and experiences. In the 14th century, Ibn Battuta traveled from Africa to Bengal, documenting local life and society. Chinese traveler Xuanzang explored the prosperous city of Sonargaon, detailing trade and cultural exchanges. Even the voyages of Vasco da Gama and Columbus reshaped the course of civilization underscoring that travel is not merely movement, but also the exchange of knowledge and culture.
Today, tourism is not only a leisure activity; it is an economic sector, a lifestyle, a social connector, and a vehicle of soft power, shaping both domestic and international perceptions of a country. According to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), 2024 saw global tourism grow by 11% compared to the previous year, attracting approximately 1.4 billion international travelers, demonstrating the enduring global appetite for travel and its economic significance. Reddit
Bangladesh: An Undiscovered Tapestry of Beauty
Bangladesh is uniquely endowed with rivers, forests, seas, and hills. Cox’s Bazar hosts the world’s longest uninterrupted sea beach, the Sundarbans contain the world’s largest mangrove forest, while Sylhet’s tea gardens, Ratargul Swamp Forest, and Srimangal’s lush tea blocks highlight diverse scenic beauty. IDLC Finance
The country also boasts notable archaeological and historical sites, including Mahasthangarh, Paharpur Buddhist Stupa ruins, Lalbagh Fort, and Ahsan Manzil, reflecting centuries of cultural heritage. These sites offer both knowledge and aesthetic experience, attracting modern tourists seeking deeper insights.
With targeted promotion, streamlined visa processes, and international-standard infrastructure, Bangladesh has the potential to quickly rise on the global tourism map. Recently, experience-based attractions such as theme parks and entertainment centers have emerged as major draws for domestic and international tourists. The Daily Star
Concord Group: A Corporate Builder in Entertainment & Tourism
Concord Group, a well-established corporate entity, is among the leading developers in Bangladesh’s entertainment and tourism sector, responsible for theme parks, resorts, and recreational infrastructure nationwide. Besides Fantasy Kingdom and Resort Atlantis, Concord operates Heritage Park, Water Kingdom, Xtreme Racing, Foy’s Lake Entertainment Complex, and Sea World. Concord Group
Fantasy Kingdom was not merely a theme park; it set a new standard for entertainment and tourism, integrating theme park rides, water park, go-kart racing, and Heritage Park into a single experiential hub. Attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors annually, it clearly reflects the growing interest in Bangladesh’s tourism sector. Concord Group
Fantasy Kingdom: The Epicenter of Experiential Joy
Opened in 2002, Fantasy Kingdom is Bangladesh’s first world-class theme park, serving as a major domestic tourism attraction for over two decades. Covering nearly 20 acres, the park includes theme park rides, water park, go-kart tracks, and Heritage Park Corner. Wikipedia
The park offers thrilling rides such as Top Spin, Tornado 360, and Sky Hopper, providing international-quality excitement suitable for families, children, and thrill-seekers alike. Each generation finds tailored experiences: children enjoy interactive play areas, friends seek adrenaline rides, and families relax in cafés and leisure zones. Fantasy Kingdom thus serves as a multi-generational hub for tourism in Bangladesh. Fantasy Kingdom
Resort Atlantis: From Entertainment to Comprehensive Leisure
Adjacent to Fantasy Kingdom, Resort Atlantis plays a crucial role in extending the experience. It is an integrated stay-and-play destination, offering not just entertainment but rest, dining, curated social events, and planned leisure.
With deluxe suites, swimming pools, modern restaurants, and open green spaces, the resort caters to families, couples, and international visitors, providing a complete leisure environment. It serves as a tranquil escape from the city’s bustle, complementing the theme park’s excitement with peaceful relaxation. Fantasy Kingdom
Economic Impact: GDP, Employment, and Budget Realities
The growth of Bangladesh’s tourism sector continues to contribute significantly to the economy and employment, though it has yet to reach its full potential. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council, in 2023, the tourism sector’s direct contribution to GDP was approximately BDT 1.02 trillion (USD ≈ 9.5 billion), up 10.6% from the previous year, with growth projections continuing. The Bangladesh Monitor
Employment is also rising, with around 2.14 million people directly employed in 2023, expected to expand further. Yet challenges persist: tourism budget allocations often remain below required levels, hampering national tourism development strategies. For example, the FY 2024–25 budget reduced allocations, despite GDP contributions increasing. The Bangladesh Monitor
International visitors are also selective and strategic. In 2024, Bangladesh welcomed approximately 655,000 foreign tourists, a modest post-pandemic recovery, still below 2019 pre-pandemic figures. Dhaka Tribune
This highlights that tourism is more than a leisure sector; it is a pillar of national economic strategy.
Environment and Sustainable Tourism: Towards an Eco-Friendly Bangladesh
Tourism today is inextricably linked with sustainability and environmental conservation. Bangladesh offers opportunities in eco-tourism, including the Sundarbans, Cox’s Bazar, Bandarban Hills, and Ratargul Swamp Forest. The Bangladesh Monitor
Sustainable use of these resources enhances visitor experiences and preserves biodiversity. Public and private initiatives must invest in eco-friendly policies, water and waste management, energy-efficient technologies, and sustainable infrastructure.
International Comparison & Benchmarking
Globally, destinations such as Genting Highlands (Malaysia), Resorts World Sentosa (Singapore), and UAE theme park-resorts attract millions with modern entertainment, safety, environmental management, and international service standards. Fantasy Kingdom Resort Atlantis is Bangladesh’s first step toward such international benchmarks, but improvements in safety, clarity, service, and branding are needed to attract global travelers.
Tourism, Soft Power, and Nation Branding
Tourism is not just economic; it is a soft power and nation-branding tool. Visitors to Cox’s Bazar, Sundarbans, or Fantasy Kingdom perceive Bangladesh through experience, sharing impressions via social media, reviews, and word-of-mouth, amplifying the country’s international image.
Bangladesh’s rich culture, history, biodiversity, and family-friendly attractions create holistic experiences, enhancing global reputation, foreign investment, and international partnerships.
Challenges and Future Vision
Bangladesh shows immense tourism potential but has yet to reach optimal levels. Challenges include political instability, election-related tensions, fragmented infrastructure, limited international marketing, and lack of a structured tourism master plan. Tuhin Sarwar Journalist
- If Bangladesh strategically focuses on tourism, adopts international-standard services, embraces environmental sustainability, and implements a national tourism master plan, tourism could not only boost the economy but also position the country as a globally recognized, potential-rich nation.
Conclusion: Seeing Bangladesh Anew
Fantasy Kingdom and Resort Atlantis are more than a theme park and resort; they represent a nation-branding experiment, combining modern entertainment, family-friendly leisure, international tourism experience, employment, and economic potential.
Together, they offer Bangladesh the opportunity to evolve into an experience-based, family-oriented, modern tourism nation. As global tourism recovers, Bangladesh’s diverse offerings and historical-modern fusion can leave a lasting impression on the world audience.
Now is the time to see Bangladesh with fresh eyes not only in news, history, or crises, but in promise, potential, and the joy of tourism.
Sources & References:
About the Creator
Tuhin sarwar
Tuhin Sarwar is a Bangladeshi investigative journalist and author, reporting on human rights, the Rohingya crisis, and civic issues. He founded Article Insight to drive data-driven storytelling. 🌐 tuhinsarwar.com
Keep reading
More stories from Tuhin sarwar and writers in Journal and other communities.
Bangladesh Satellite-1: Anatomy of a State Project That Hid Losses, Data, and Human Impact
By Tuhin Sarwar : Bangladesh। 20 | 12। 2025 । Bangladesh made global headlines on 12 May 2018 when it launched its first geostationary communications satellite then named Bangabandhu Satellite-1 from Cape Canaveral, USA. The narrative from the government was clear: this was not merely a technical achievement but a bold declaration of national advancement. Ministers and state media broadcast that the satellite would reduce dependence on foreign satellites, save substantial foreign currency by avoiding annual lease fees, and recoup the entire project cost in seven years through domestic and international bandwidth sales.
By Tuhin sarwar23 days ago in Journal
The goals I did not achieve
Every writing goal I made for the year is a wash. It has been this way for a while, but I think it's important to be open about my failures and the reality of how life can get in the way. This is especially true considering the several times I have posted on Vocal about my writing goals, how I was changing my approach, and where I was hoping to be for the upcoming year. I will probably do that again in a couple months, but for now, it is time to acknowledge where I am today.
By Kay Husnick16 days ago in Journal
Why Did Eleven Lose Her Powers?
The character of Eleven, who is a telekinesis user, is often referred to as the most powerful in Stranger Things. She has the ability to interact with the physical world using only her mind, to battle monsters, as well as to make portals to different universes.
By Lightbringer 4 days ago in Journal
Comments
There are no comments for this story
Be the first to respond and start the conversation.