Tourism in greater Ctg zone hit hard by ongoing political unrest

CHATTOGRAM, Nov 27: The tourism industry in greater Chattogram, encompassing the hill districts of Rangamati, Bandarban and Khagrachhari, and Cox's Bazar, faces severe setbacks due to the current hartals and blockades. Political unrest ahead of the impending national elections has significantly hampered tourist arrivals at these spots.
The prevailing conditions have caused a sharp decline in visitors to the tourist attractions in Chattogram. Consequently, hotels in the region are experiencing a notable lack of occupancy during what is typically the peak tourism season in Bangladesh, spanning October to January.
The ongoing political turmoil has inflicted substantial financial losses on hotels and motels throughout this month. Reports indicate a staggering 90% cancellation rate for advance bookings in tourist destinations across greater Chattogram.
Traditionally, post-examination periods for children witness a surge in travel to these attractions. However, due to the nationwide blockades and hartals, travelers are apprehensive about journeying, leading to a drastic drop in visitor numbers.
Hotel and motel proprietors in Cox's Bazar highlight the stark change in their booking rates.
Before October, over 50-60% of rooms in more than 500 hotels and motels were daily occupied. Presently, there has been a notable decrease in tourist footfall. Presently some locals are bookings the hotels and motels. Similar circumstances are observed in other tourist areas including Kuakata and St. Martin.
Expressing concern, hotel and motel owners fear the ripple effect on their workforce as business declines, potentially resulting in layoffs and delayed salary payments. Presently, approximately 90% of rooms in Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, and Rangamati hotels remain unoccupied.
Shah Alam Chowdhury, a hotel owner in Cox's Bazar, lamented, "Continuous blockades have left over 500 hotels and motels almost vacant." Echoing the sentiment, Motaleb Sharif, another hotel owner, added, "Safety concerns amid political instability have triggered widespread cancellations, discouraging families from undertaking risky journeys."

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