From Poverty to Prosperity in Moulvibazar: Exploring the Community Upliftment through Pro-Poor Tourism

The study investigates the role of pro-poor tourism activities for community development in Moulvibazar district of Bangladesh; analyzes their economic, social, and cultural impacts; and evaluates the effectiveness in reducing poverty among the poor community there. Using the mixed-methods of research, the researcher employs both quantitative and qualitative data to analyze the complex implications of pro-poor tourism on the local population of Moulvibazar District. The sample size consists of 100 survey participants, 20 in-depth interviews, and five key expert informants. Quantitative data is analyzed using descriptive analysis. Theme and content analysis were conducted for the qualitative data. The study found that tourism improves infrastructure, access to services, and cultural preservation; and also highlights gaps in benefit distribution, inclusiveness, and sustainability management. The study emphasizes the need for inclusive planning and targeted investments to ensure the fair development of the community across social classes. It also highlights the importance of eco-tourism and community-based techniques in promoting sustainability and poverty reduction.