Eco-Tech Tourism Trend: Cox’s Bazar Explores Smart, Sustainable Toy Integration
Amid the surge of technological advancements, a multi-stakeholder meeting was held in Cox’s Bazar focusing on the expansion of eco-friendly handmade toys and early childhood educational products—such as dolls, books, notebooks, and school bags—within the tourism sector. Around 45 representatives, including hotel and resort managers, retailers, toy manufacturers, and development partners, participated in the meeting. Participants proposed integrating smart home automation alongside child-friendly initiatives such as play corners in hotels, toy display areas in lobbies, in-room toy boxes, and offering eco-friendly toys as guest gifts.
It has been learned that the meeting was held last Tuesday under the ‘Eco-Friendly Handicraft and Toys Project’. The project is being implemented with support from the International Labour Organization (ILO), Eco Social Development Organization (ESDO), and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).
As part of the project implementation, the meeting titled ‘Stakeholder Meeting with Hotel, Resort and Retailers’ was held at Best Western Heritage in Cox’s Bazar, organized by Light of Hope (LOH). Speakers at the event highlighted emerging opportunities for the use and marketing of eco-friendly toys in hotels and resorts across Cox’s Bazar. Initiatives such as retailing toys at hotel outlets, providing in-room toy boxes, setting up lobby display corners, and organizing puppet shows for children could play an effective role in expanding this market.
Waliullah Bhuiyan, Chief Executive Officer of Light of Hope, said the organization is building an integrated educational ecosystem by connecting parents, children, and teachers.
Akbar Mohammad Navid, representative of the International Labour Organization, noted that Cox’s Bazar, as a tourism hub, holds strong potential for developing a market for eco-friendly toys. He emphasized the critical role of local artisans in this sector.
Arshad Hossain, Head of ESDO Cox’s Bazar, stated that achieving the project’s objectives requires strong coordination among production, marketing, and all relevant stakeholders.
Ruchika Bahl, Head of Mission of ILO Cox’s Bazar, said that women’s leadership and business ownership in the region remain limited. She added that the project is working to enhance women’s financial capacity and promote their roles as entrepreneurs and leaders.
Galib Bin Mohammad, Chief Operating Officer of Light of Hope, said that structured marketing initiatives—such as puppet shows, product display centers, gift items, and in-room toy boxes—will play a vital role in the project’s success. He also noted that the ‘Togumogu’ parenting app, with more than 350,000 users, is helping connect with parents effectively.
Project stakeholders reported that more than 400 women from Rajapalong, Palongkhali, and Rohingya camp areas have received training in producing eco-friendly toys and are now earning income through manufacturing these products.
Toy maker Mimi Barua said the project has helped her acquire new skills and increase her family income.
As part of the initiative, puppet shows have been organized in various hotels and resorts in Cox’s Bazar, offering children an engaging way to become familiar with eco-friendly toys.
Memory Chakma, entrepreneur of Bamboo Hub Hotel, said the puppet shows have generated significant interest among children, who have responded positively to eco-friendly toys.
At the conclusion of the meeting, stakeholders expressed their commitment to further expanding the initiative, improving artisans’ livelihoods, and continuing mutual collaboration.
DBTech/AR/MUM/OR
