Alumna empowering communities through sustainable tourism in Bangladesh

For alumna Shaing Shaing U Nini from Bangladesh, ‘tourism’ is not simply about attracting visitors. It is about creating opportunities for communities, preserving cultural heritage, and ensuring that development benefits the people who live closest to a destination’s natural and cultural assets. This World Tourism Day, Shaing’s story demonstrates the lasting impact of Australia Awards.

Shaing completed a Master of Community Planning and Development at La Trobe University in Australia in 2010 with the support of an Australia Awards Scholarship. More than a decade later, the knowledge and perspectives she gained in Australia continue to influence her work to create positive change in Bangladesh.

“Studying in Australia broadened my understanding of how communities can lead their own development,” Shaing says. “It reinforced my belief that sustainable tourism should create opportunities for local people, while protecting culture, heritage and the environment.”

Since returning from Australia to Bangladesh, Shaing has dedicated herself to promoting community development, sustainable tourism and women’s empowerment in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. Having spent years working closely with local communities, she has seen firsthand how tourism can create opportunities for remote areas, while strengthening appreciation for local culture and traditions.

In 2024, Shaing joined fellow Australia Awards alumni to implement an Australia Awards Community of Action Grant aimed at strengthening community-based tourism in Bandarban District in Chittagong Division.

Shaing (right) receiving her Community of Action Grant certificate from Clinton Pobke (left), Deputy High Commissioner of Australia to Bangladesh.

The initiative focused on improving the skills and knowledge of local tour guides, promoting environmentally responsible tourism practices, and fostering stronger collaboration among tourism stakeholders across the upazilas (sub-districts) of Bandarban Sadar, Ruma, Thanchi and Rowangchhari.

“Community-based tourism has the power to transform lives,” Shaing says. “When local people are involved in tourism planning and management, the benefits stay within the community. It creates employment, preserves culture and encourages the protection of natural resources for future generations.”

The Community of Action Grant provided local tour guides with training, practical resources and opportunities to engage with stakeholders, helping them improve visitor experiences and promote environmentally responsible tourism practices. The initiative also supported research, stakeholder consultations, tour guidebook development and knowledge-sharing opportunities.

Shaing facilitating a stakeholder consultation meeting and delivering basic skills development training for tour guides through her Community of Action Grant.

The project directly benefited around 150 individuals and indirectly benefited approximately 500 people, including local tour guides, business owners and other stakeholders connected to Bandarban District’s tourism sector.

Beyond tourism, Shaing has also been recognised for her contributions to women’s empowerment and sustainable livelihoods. She received the Joyeeta Award in the Education & Employment category for Chittagong Division in 2022 and played a leading role in the Kolaboti Saree initiative, which introduced Bangladesh’s first banana fibre saree and created new economic opportunities for women artisans.

Currently, Shaing is continuing to champion sustainable tourism in the Chittagong Hill Tracts through a new chapter of her professional journey. Building on years of experience in academia, research and development, she has established PEACE MKS, an organisation that collaborates with communities and development partners to create lasting impact by supporting community development, sustainable livelihoods and inclusive growth.

Ultimately, for Shaing, tourism is about people. “Sustainable tourism succeeds when local communities are empowered to lead and benefit from development,” she says. “Tourism should protect our environment, celebrate our cultural diversity and create opportunities that improve lives for future generations.”