The Leading University Tourist Club (LUTC), under the Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management, organized its first-ever educational tour to Sajek Valley, affectionately known as the “Queen of Hills.” This three-day trip was designed to give students practical exposure to eco-tourism, destination management, and hospitality operations in a real-world tourism environment.
The tour officially began on Friday, November 22, 2019. The 50-member team, including students and faculty members, embarked on the journey from Sylhet to Sajek, a remote and picturesque valley located in the Rangamati district of Bangladesh.
The tour was led by Mr. Md. Mahbubur Rahman, the Assistant Professor and Acting Head of the Department. This initiative was part of the department’s commitment to experiential learning, allowing students to gain insight into the challenges and opportunities in the tourism sector.
During the trip, participants explored:
- The hospitality arrangements in a remote hill destination
- Local community engagement in tourism
- Sustainable tourism practices
- The natural landscape and cultural diversity of the indigenous Chakma community
This landmark tour marked the first educational field visit by THM students to Sajek, setting a precedent for future tours and practical learning experiences.
🗓️ Date: 22nd November – 25th November
📍 Destination: Sajek Valley – The Queen of Hills
Under the guidance of Md. Mahbubur Rahman, Assistant Professor & Acting Head of THM, a team of 50 students and faculty members will embark on this 4-day learning adventure to explore:
✔️ Eco-tourism practices
✔️ Rural hospitality systems
✔️ Destination and cultural management
✔️ Indigenous community-based tourism
This tour promises to blend academic insight with natural beauty, giving students a chance to observe and experience the practical aspects of tourism in one of Bangladesh’s most enchanting regions.
🔍 Purpose and Objectives of the Tour
The primary goal of this educational tour was to:
- Provide hands-on learning about eco-tourism and community-based tourism.
- Observe local hospitality practices, accommodations, and tourism infrastructure.
- Interact with indigenous communities to understand sustainable tourism approaches.
- Learn about destination branding, environmental preservation, and visitor management.
- Strengthen leadership, team-building, and cultural understanding among tourism students.
👨🏫 Leadership and Participation
The tour was conducted under the dynamic leadership of
Md. Mahbubur Rahman, Assistant Professor & Acting Head of the THM Department.
He was accompanied by other respected faculty members.
A total of 50 participants (students and teachers) formed the tour group.
This trip marked a significant milestone in the THM Department’s mission to blend academic theory with practical industry exposure, while also nurturing tourism professionals who are equipped to contribute to Bangladesh’s growing travel and hospitality sector.
🏞️ Experience Highlights
During the tour, students:
- Explored the natural wonders and panoramic views of Sajek Valley.
- Stayed in eco-friendly resorts and learned about their management systems.
- Visited key local attractions such as Komalak Waterfall, Konglak Hill, Helipad viewpoint, and Risang Waterfall.
- Engaged in discussions on local tourism entrepreneurship with indigenous hosts.
- Participated in team activities, cultural sessions, and reflective learning briefings.
🏁 Outcome
The Sajek tour not only enriched the students’ academic knowledge but also broadened their perspective on rural tourism development, cultural sensitivity, and eco-conscious travel. It was a successful blend of learning and leisure, strengthening the bond between theory and practice.
