From July 15 to August 15, popular tourist destinations in Bangladesh, including Cox’s Bazar, Rangamati, Sylhet, the Sundarbans, and Kuakata, have appeared almost lifeless. The tourism sector has taken a severe blow due to the unrest surrounding the quota reform movement and the subsequent political changes.
According to those involved in the tourism industry, they have lost at least a thousand crore Taka in business during the month of unrest. There is widespread concern about when the situation will normalize and how they will recover from these losses.
However, government officials suggest that the interim government's chief advisor has a positive international image that could help revitalize the tourism sector. Additionally, embassies and high commissions are being instructed to promote the message that the situation in the country is returning to normal. The unrest, which began with the quota movement and led to the fall of Sheikh Hasina's government on July 15, resulted in the formation of an interim government.
Despite this, the unrest had not subsided by August 15, and long-distance transportation remains disrupted. Many travelers have canceled their plans due to security concerns from the absence of law enforcement agencies.
Foreign tourists have stayed away, and domestic travelers have also been scarce at the country’s major tourist spots. From July 15 to August 15, destinations such as Cox’s Bazar, Rangamati, Sylhet, the Sundarbans, and Kuakata have seemed almost deserted.
Hotels and motels around tourist spots are unable to attract visitors despite offering various amenities. Major restaurants in these areas are also nearly empty. Flight traffic for tourism is also significantly reduced, with many flights on domestic routes lacking passengers. International tourists are also scarce.
In response to the violence and political instability, countries like India, the United States, and the European Union have issued travel advisories for their citizens. This has led to restricted foreign travel and many people leaving Bangladesh for their home countries.
Tourism investors and tour operators are deeply concerned about how to improve the situation and recover from the standstill in the sector.
Cox’s Bazar, a key destination for sea-based tourism, is facing a downturn. Sunil Barua, the manager of a three-star hotel there, told bdnews24.com, “The situation was quite good about a month ago. We had a lot of bookings for single rooms. But since mid-July, bookings have dwindled to the point where there are hardly any tourists now. The beach is almost deserted.”
Following the political upheaval and the imposition of curfews nationwide, several countries have issued red alerts for travel to Bangladesh. Consequently, all advance bookings have been canceled, according to tourism workers.
Diplomatic sources report that some countries have stopped issuing visas and are not accepting visa applications. Tour operators claim that the tourism sector has already lost thousands of crores of Taka, estimating a net loss of around 150 crores during this period. This loss could exceed 4000 crores by the end of the year.
Mohammad Rafeeuzzaman, President of the Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh (TOAB), told bdnews24.com, “Tourism does not thrive in adverse conditions. The industry depends on structural arrangements as well as climate and environmental factors.
“The industry has become even more stagnant in the past month. Due to political instability, foreigners are not coming, and local people are also feeling insecure, so they are not traveling. The tourism sector has lost at least a thousand crores of Taka.”
Tourism season in Bangladesh typically runs from October to February, so this period is not part of the peak season. Currently, the focus is on keeping the business afloat.
However, Tahsin Islam, coordinator of the Facebook-based travel group “Cholo Ghuri,” comments that the current situation is akin to “adding insult to injury.”
He says, “During this time, we used to offer tour packages to Tangua Haor and Ratargul in Sunamganj. We had planned to offer them again, but the disruption in transportation plans has ruined those plans.
“We had booked houseboats, but those had to be canceled as well. The situation is dire. People are feeling insecure. This year, there were floods in Sylhet, followed by the movement. The tourism industry has taken a hit.”
Tourism in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, including Rangamati, Bandarban, and Khagrachari, has also suffered significantly. The lakes, hills, and waterfalls there, usually a big draw during the rainy season, have seen fewer visitors. Mehdi Hasan, a hotelier in Rangamati, says, “Tourists are not coming to the hills as they used to. Given the current instability, people are not in the mood to travel. Most resorts are empty, similar to what happened during the COVID-19 period.”
Abdus Salam Aref, President of the Association of Travel Agents of Bangladesh (ATAB), states, “The business situation is very poor. Domestic tourist spots, like Cox’s Bazar and Sylhet, are in a very bad state. People are not going out.
“There are only 5 to 10 percent of bookings in these places. The internet shutdown has significantly impacted us. We have managed to recover about 30 percent of the damage caused during this time. However, the long-term effects of this loss will be felt in the future.” He adds, “Flights are operating at a loss. Even with offers, we are not getting passengers. Flights on all routes, both international and domestic, are mostly empty.”
Abu Taher Mohammad Zaber, CEO of the Bangladesh Tourism Board, says, “The situation is gradually improving. We have contacted our various embassies and high commissions abroad and requested them to encourage people to travel to Bangladesh.
“Our new chief advisor is globally popular, which has a positive side. We will leverage that. We have also inquired about the extent of the damage and will hold a meeting with stakeholders in this sector next Sunday morning.”
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