A stakeholder meeting was held in Cox’s Bazar to expand the market for eco-friendly toys and early childhood educational products in the tourism sector.
Light of Hope (LoH) recently organised the meeting titled “Stakeholder Meeting with Hotels, Resorts and Retailers” at Best Western Heritage Hotel. The session was held under its “Eco-Friendly Handicrafts and Toys Project,” implemented with support from the International Labour Organization (ILO), Eco Social Development Organization (ESDO), and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).
Around 45 participants attended the meeting, including hotel and resort managers, retailers, toy manufacturers, and development partners.
Speakers said that new opportunities are emerging for eco-friendly toys in hotels and resorts in Cox’s Bazar. They highlighted that sales in hotel outlets, in-room toy boxes, lobby display corners, and children’s puppet shows could play an important role in expanding the market.
Light of Hope’s CEO, Waliullah Bhuiyan, said the organization is working to build an integrated learning ecosystem by connecting parents, children, and educators.
ILO representative Akbar Mohammad Naveed said there is strong potential to develop a market for eco-friendly toys in the tourism hub of Cox’s Bazar, stressing the importance of local artisans in this sector.
ESDO Cox’s Bazar head Arshad Hossain said that stronger coordination among production, marketing, and stakeholders is essential to achieve the project’s goals.
ILO Cox’s Bazar mission head Ruchika Bahl noted that women’s leadership and business ownership remain limited in the region, and the project aims to enhance their economic empowerment and leadership roles.
Cox’s Bazar Life Report
Photo: Courtesy
