Unrest in the Chattogram Hill Tracts had long been a big concern for tourism in Rangamati. Besides, local people were against tourism as they feared their culture would perish due to its socio-economic impacts.
But the situation started to improve in the wake of the peace deal signed in 1997 between the government and the local political organisations. Now, young people of the area have taken tourism seriously to change their economic condition and preserve their local culture at the same time.At least 10 small and large resorts have already been set up in Rangamati in recent years. They have also formed Rangamati Resort Association this month with a nine-member committee.
Not only resort, young entrepreneurs are also investing in houseboats in Kaptai Lake to attract tourists.Dipanjan Dewan, entrepreneur of Rangamati's first houseboat, Promodini, "No one can brand tourism of Rangamati like we have done because we are from this area. That's why we have come up with the concept of houseboat as in India's Kashmir and Kerala. Many people are appreciating us."Ajay Chakma, director of a houseboat named Maoroom, said, "We started the houseboat considering the potential of the Kaptai. I think if this potential is utilised properly, it will have a huge positive impact on tourism in the region."
Raina Tugun is the largest eco-resort in Rangamati. Covering an area of about 25 acres, the resort has a huge array of local and foreign flowers, fruits and medicinal plants to attract tourists.
