The Bangladesh Traveller

Good Morning Guesthouse brings disadvantaged youth into the hospitality trade

Posted on 19. Oct, 2008 by Mikey Leung in Editorials, Responsible Travel
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~story by Mikey Leung~

After visiting similar hospitality projects in Cambodia and China, I’m pleased to share what I believe is the first organisation I know of that explicityly brings disadvantaged youth into Bangladesh’s hospitality trade.

The Good Morning Guesthouse is now open in Banani, at Apt B5. Hse 5, Rd 10/A, Block H. Reservations can be made by e-mail to reservations[AT]guesthouse-dhaka.com or by telephone at +880 (2)886 0050. Click here for more information.

When I first encountered this concept in Cambodia, I found it a real inspiration to be dining in a restaurant that took Phnom Penh’s most disadvantaged youth and provided them with a roof, culinary and service training and a real opportunity to take hold of their lives. The food and drinks were excellent, the prices offered great value, and the service was genuine. It is now my personal hope that the folks at Vialisa are able to achieve similar successes in their work.

Judging by the pictures, the facilities appear to be basic but comfortable. The three-room facility has prices ranging from Tk1,200 for a single to Tk2,400 for a double, including breakfast and wireless internet. It’s certainly one of the cheaper places you can get in the Gulshan/Banani area, and you do benefit from the knowledge that your money is supporting disadvantaged youth to make a better living for themselves.

This is exactly the kind of tourism and hospitality that captures the essence of the Responsible Travel philosophy and is precisely the opportunity Bangladeshi tourism companies should exploit in developing the seedling tourism industry.

Tags: Dhaka Accommodation, Responsible Travel