Most Bangladeshi tourists prefer staying with relatives: BBS
The findings, published in the Tourism Satellite Account Report, highlight this clear trend in travel behaviour of Bangladeshi tourists
ATT Correspondent 
Most Bangladeshi tourists prefer staying at the homes of relatives or friends rather than in hotels during their travels, citing cost savings, security and personal connections, according to the latest survey by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS).
The findings, published in the Tourism Satellite Account report, highlight a clear trend in travel behaviour, with these factors playing a key role in accommodation choices.
Survey data show that about 76.36 per cent of domestic tourists spent nights at the homes of relatives or friends, indicating that familiar environments remain the most trusted and practical option for travellers within the country.
A similar pattern is observed among Bangladeshis travelling abroad. Around 47.97 per cent of outbound tourists also chose to stay with relatives or friends. In comparison, only 6.76 per cent stayed in star-rated hotels, while 25.68 per cent opted for non-star hotels. Smaller shares chose motels, guesthouses, rented homes or other types of accommodation.
Travellers say the preference is largely driven by economic and safety considerations. Ripon Mia, a private sector employee in Dhaka, said he stayed at a relative’s home for about 10 days during a recent trip to the United States, avoiding hotel and food expenses. “Staying with relatives helped reduce costs and made travel easier,” he said.
For many, the decision is also linked to security and convenience. Tuli Begum, a school teacher from Kurigram, stayed with relatives in Dhaka during her medical treatment instead of using hotels, citing safety concerns and family support as key reasons.
Officials involved in preparing the report said it reflects the broader structure of Bangladesh’s tourism ecosystem, where informal accommodation plays a significant role. Tofayel Ahmed, a project director linked to the survey, said this is the most recent comprehensive account of the sector.
The report also shows that the majority of Bangladeshi outbound travellers fall within the 25–51 age group, accounting for over 59 per cent of total travellers, while participation among those aged 60 and above remains comparatively low.
Analysts say the findings highlight both an opportunity and a challenge for the tourism industry. While strong family networks support travel, the relatively low use of hotels suggests untapped potential in the formal hospitality sector.
