Tourism development and post-conflict reconciliation in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, Bangladesh: A community capitals framework approach

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study provides novel insights into the indigenous Jumma peoples’ experiences of tourism development in the Chittagong Hill Tracts and their views on its role in fostering post-conflict reconciliation. Through engagements with those directly employed in the industry, this study applies the Community Capitals Framework to identify holistic community changes through tourism development. The findings reveal that tourism has contributed positively to the development of human, social, and cultural capital, and has partially supported reconciliation between some indigenous and non-indigenous groups. However, the absence of political capital continued to serve as a major impediment to progress as many communities remain absent from development discourse. Moreover, the growth in natural capital presented paradoxical issues that amplified local fears surrounding the government’s pursuit of indigenous land. Consequently, this study identifies several key issues that must be urgently addressed so that tourism development benefits the Jumma people in a just and inclusive manner.