Cox’s Bazar, home to the world’s longest uninterrupted sea beach, has once again retained its dominance as the most preferred domestic travel destination for Bangladeshi tourists. In overseas travel, Malaysia has emerged as the top choice among Bangladeshi travelers.
The findings come from a nationwide reader survey conducted by The Bangladesh Monitor, the country’s leading tourism and aviation publication.
From November 20 to December 20, around 15,200 regular travelers and tourism-related professionals participated in the online survey. The results offer a clear snapshot of the evolving trends in Bangladesh’s tourism industry and of travelers’ changing preferences.
According to the survey, Cox’s Bazar secured first place by a wide margin among domestic destinations. The tea-rich region of Sylhet ranked second, followed by Bandarban, known for its hills and waterfalls, in third place. The UNESCO World Heritage site, the Sundarbans, placed fourth, while Kuakata—famous for its panoramic sunrise and sunset views—ranked fifth.
Old Dhaka, renowned for its historical and cultural heritage, ranked sixth. Other destinations making it into the top ten domestic travel list include Sonargaon, Rangamati, Dinajpur, and Teknaf, reflecting the diverse range of tourism experiences available across the country.
In international travel preferences, Malaysia ranked first due to its easy visa policy, strong air connectivity, and cultural similarities with Bangladesh.
Shopping opportunities, entertainment facilities, and advanced medical tourism options have further increased its appeal among Bangladeshi travelers. Thailand ranked second, while the Maldives ranked third.
Sri Lanka, Singapore, and Saudi Arabia followed in fourth, fifth, and sixth positions respectively, driven by demand for leisure, business, and religious travel. Nepal, India, Bhutan, and Indonesia also featured further down the list.
Tourism analysts note that the survey highlights a growing inclination toward experiential and sustainable tourism. Competitive travel costs and access to diverse experiences are encouraging travelers to favor regional destinations more than ever.
The survey was conducted as part of the Bangladesh Travel, Tourism and Hospitality Awards 2025, an annual initiative that recognizes individuals and organizations for their significant contributions to the travel and tourism sector. The program aims to promote excellence and further stimulate growth across Bangladesh’s tourism industry.
Cox’s Bazar Life Report
Photo: Mohammad Morshed
