Stakeholders’ Role in Protected Area Tourism Development : A Thematic Analysis

Abstract

Despite having tourism potential in protected areas and the initiatives of different stakeholders, the role of stakeholders in tourism development has not been sufficiently examined. Hence the study aims to identify stakeholders and explore their roles in tourism development in protected areas of Bangladesh. Stakeholder theory has been used to categorize the stakeholders as primary and secondary. To achieve the objective, the study employs in-depth interviews under a qualitative research approach. A total of 36 semi-structured in-depth interviews have been performed with stakeholders involved in protected area tourism, including representatives of the forest department, community leaders, tour operators/guides, transportation, tourists, NGO representatives, media, and hotel/restaurant owners. The themes have been identified using thematic analysis. Two primary themes and 12 sub-themes of stakeholder roles have been discovered after examining respondents' replies obtained through in-depth interviews. The study's findings illustrate how and to what extent various stakeholders play their roles in developing tourism in protected areas. The study findings will assist the relevant authorities in understanding the significant roles of different stakeholders and taking appropriate tourism development initiatives.