WUB's Department of THM Organizes Academic Study Tour to Rangamati, Emphasizing Ecotourism and SDGs

The Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management (THM) at the World University of Bangladesh (WUB) successfully organized a two-day academic study tour to Rangamati, Chittagong, from May 18 to May 19, 2026, under the theme “Bridging Theory with Reality: Ecotourism and Sustainability.” The initiative aimed to provide students with practical insights into sustainable tourism, cultural heritage preservation, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

A total of 72 students participated in the study tour under the coordination of Maruf Ahmed, Deputy Registrar of WUB and Md. Abdul Latif Mahmud, Assistant Professor and Academic Coordinator; and the leadership of Muhammed Nasimul Azim, Director and Head of the Department of THM. Faculty members Sara Murtaza, Pulak Sarker, and Umme Honey Nidhi, along with, also accompanied the delegation.

During the tour, students visited several important ecological and cultural sites, including Kaptai Lake, Suvolong Waterfall, Rajban Vihar, Balur Chor, and Bonrupa Bazar. Through boat journeys, field observations, and cultural interactions, participants explored topics related to biodiversity conservation, community-based tourism, and sustainable hospitality practices.

The delegation also engaged with the local economy by purchasing indigenous agricultural products, traditional foods, and handloom items directly from tribal vendors. These activities highlighted the role of responsible tourism in supporting local communities and preserving cultural heritage, reflecting the principles of SDG 8 and SDG 12.

A major contribution to the successful execution of the tour came from Jagori Sotyojn, a final-semester student, and his dedicated team, whose coordination and teamwork were highly appreciated by both faculty members and students.

At the conclusion of the tour, an academic debriefing session was held where faculty members emphasized the importance of experiential learning and sustainable development. Participating students were assigned a field research report titled “Bridging Theory with Reality: An Empirical Study on Ecotourism and Sustainability in Rangamati,” reinforcing the department’s commitment to practical and impact-driven education.