The Sundarbans, the world's largest mangrove forest, has become a hub of activity, drawing nature enthusiasts from around the globe with its stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife. This natural wonder is not only a key tourist attraction but also plays a vital role in promoting environmental conservation and boosting local revenue. During the prime visiting months from October to February, the Sundarbans offers visitors cool river waters and pleasant weather, making it an ideal destination for exploring its unique ecosystem. Recent statistics reveal a significant uptick in tourism, with 216,143 visitors, including 2,143 international guests, in the fiscal year 2022-2023, generating Tk 3.94 crore in revenue for the government. This marks a notable increase from previous years, highlighting the forest's growing appeal and importance to Bangladesh's economy. According to data collected from the local forest office, the number of tourists was 1,89,570 in the fiscal year 2018-2019 and of them, 2,261 came from other countries. The government earned Tk 1.51 crore during this period. Read: Sundarbans Day in southwestern region on Feb 14; a clarion call to love, save the forest  In the fiscal year, 2019-2020, the number of tourists was 1,72,979. Of them 2,317 came from overseas. A total of Tk 1.87 crore was collected as revenue during this period.

The Forest Department has banned tourists from entering the Sundarbans till April 15 to tackle the second wave of Covid-19. However, beekeepers and fishermen will be exempt from the ban. Forest Conservator of Khulna Zone Moinuddin Khan confirmed this news to UNB. He said that there are seven tourist spots in eastern and western zones of Sundarban. All of these will be closed effective immediately. Also read: Covid 19: Movement of tourist ships on Teknaf-St Martin's route suspended According to him, around 2 lakh domestic and foreign tourists visit the Sundarbans every year. Although, tourists were suspended for the majority of 2020, records show around 1 lac 72 thousand tourists came to Sundarbans last year despite it. Moinuddin stated that the reason behind not losing tourists despite suspension was that the main season to visit the Sundarbans is from Nov-Jan, it was when the Covid situation was comparatively back to normal. Also read: Damage to int'l tourism in 2020 estimated at $1.3 trillion amid pandemic Earlier on March 19 last year, the Sundarbans was declared closed to tourists. Later, after almost seven months of suspension, instructions were given to conduct tourism in compliance with the hygiene rules in October.