South Asia Tourism Infrastructure Development Project

This loan and grant project will improve infrastructure around tourist and cultural sites and expand air and road links that connect Bangladesh, India, and Nepal. The project will upgrade airports and visitor centers, fix roads, and clean up tourist sites, with improved water supply, sanitation systems, and solid waste management. The project is working to spread tourism to remote communities that have previously been bypassed by popular tourist markets. The work benefits about 2.4 million people in the three countries through increased income, jobs, improved health and local environmental conditions, and reduced travel times. About 270,000 people are benefiting from new job opportunities created by the project, and at least 5,000 others are enjoying expanded livelihood options.