Over 2 lakh local and foreign tourists visited the Sundarbans in fiscal 2023-24, helping the government earn Tk 3.61 crore as revenue from the world`s largest mangrove forest, officials said.

While talking to BSS, Khulna Zone Conservator of Forest Mihir Kumar Doe said a total of 2, 11,057 tourists, including 2,622 foreigners, visited the Sundarbans.

The forest department earned Tk 3.61 crore in revenue in the 2023-24 FY, dropping by 30 percent in the 2022-2023 FY, he said.

He also said that the forest department has increased four tourism spots with its old seven ones. The new four spots are- Alibandha of Shoronkhola Range, Andermanik of Chandpai Range, Shekhertek and Kailashganj of Khulna Range. The old spots are Kotka, Kochikhali, Dublarchar, Hironpoint, Harbaria, Kalagachia and Karamjol.

Turning immense potentialities centering Sundarbans he said the government is working for environment friendly tourism in the Sundarbans.

"Tourism makes people aware of history and tradition. At the same time, tourism can play a special role in a country`s economy. We need to represent the historical places of Khulna to everyone," he added.