The event, which draws attendees from filmmaking
circles, as well as diplomats and movie fans, contributes significantly to
tourism development, especially film tourism, in the country. With its growing
prestige, the event has also contributed to positioning Dhaka and other places
in Bangladesh as ideal tourist destinations for movie fans. This contributes to
a global trend among tourist destinations using film festivals as a means to
develop tourist traffic through leveraging the popularity that films command
across the world.
The Role of DIFF in Promoting Bangladesh as a Film Tourism Hub
The Dhaka International Film Festival (DIFF) has long
been recognized as a key event for showcasing local and
international cinema, and now it is evolving into a film tourism catalyst. By screening global films, hosting discussions, and engaging audiences, the festival is
attracting not only cinema lovers but
also tourists who are drawn to the unique cultural
experiences offered by Bangladesh’s growing film industry. This shift marks
the beginning of a new chapter for Bangladesh, as the
country aims to use the film industry as a key driver of tourism growth.
As Bangladesh’s film industry continues to gain international recognition, events like DIFF help showcase the country’s distinct cinematic landscapes, historical landmarks, and diverse cultural heritage, encouraging film tourists to explore locations featured in popular films or as part of specialized tours based on the cinematic history of the country.
Film Tourism: An Emerging Trend in Bangladesh
Film tourism is a growing niche within the broader tourism industry, where
travelers visit destinations that have featured prominently in films, documentaries, or television series. For countries like Bangladesh, which boast rich
cultural stories and cinematic landscapes, film tourism offers a unique opportunity to engage
a new segment of travelers seeking to
explore destinations through the lens of film.
As film festivals like DIFF attract international filmmakers and global audiences, Bangladesh is positioned to harness the economic potential of film tourism by promoting film-related destinations across the country. For example, visitors to Dhaka, Cox’s Bazar, and other iconic locations in the country may be interested in tours that showcase locations featured in Bengali cinema or international co-productions. The screening of global films during festivals also raises awareness of Bangladesh’s growing importance in global cinema, further encouraging visitors to explore the places that inspired these films.
Connecting Film and Cultural Heritage: A Boost for Local Economies
Film tourism is
not only about bringing international visitors to the country but also about
encouraging local economic growth. Cultural tourism and film tourism have a symbiotic relationship, as
they help increase demand for local hospitality services,
including hotels, restaurants, and tour operators. By
promoting film-themed tours and
highlighting cinematic landmarks, Bangladesh can
see an increase in tourist spending in
areas associated with film production.
In
addition, film-related events and festivals stimulate the local creative economy, providing opportunities
for film professionals, local guides,
and tourism-related businesses to benefit from film tourism. By positioning Bangladesh as a hub for film tourism, the government and tourism bodies can
foster a circular economy, where tourism
dollars support the creative industries, job creation, and local businesses.
The Future of Film Tourism in Bangladesh: Building a Lasting Legacy
Looking ahead,
Bangladesh has the potential to expand its film tourism sector in
a way that benefits local communities and
supports the country’s long-term tourism strategy.
As film festivals like DIFF continue to showcase the
nation’s unique blend of cinematic talent and cultural richness, the number of film tourists is expected to rise. The state can
further invest in promoting film tourism, offering
dedicated tours, partnerships with local filmmakers,
and establishing film-related infrastructure that
will support the growing demand.
Additionally,
as Goa, Malta, and New Zealand have demonstrated, film tourism has the potential to bring sustained
growth to smaller destinations and off-the-beaten-path locations, putting Bangladesh on the map for travelers looking to
experience cinematic locations. By building
a strong narrative around Bangladesh’s cultural identity, combined with growing film production and film-related experiences, the country can continue to thrive as a unique destination
for film tourism.
Dhaka International Film Festival as a Gateway for Film Tourism Growth
The 24th Dhaka International Film Festival is an
important component in the development of film tourism in Bangladesh. Film
tourism is increasing globally, and Bangladesh has the potential to benefit
greatly from this emerging niche market. Bangladesh has film festivals that can
be utilized for this purpose, in addition to the country’s film heritage. Film
tourism can create great economic value for Bangladesh. Bangladesh can emerge
as one of the top destination countries for travelers looking at the world
through the camera lens of film, since film tourism presents great
opportunities for the creation of new employment.
Tags: 24th Dhaka International Film Festival Dhaka International Film Festival (DIFF) Bangladesh National Museum
