Tourist spots await Eid visitors amid tepid demand
Hotels and resorts in popular tourist spots across Bangladesh have so far got only 70 percent booking of their occupancy ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr -- down from last year's 85 percent, according to industry insiders.
They said that despite a nine-day holiday this time, rising temperatures, red-hot cost of living and safety concerns are putting many off celebrating the festival at scenic destinations.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. Meanwhile, a surge in overseas travel is further denting domestic tourism, with more holidaymakers jetting off abroad.
Still, tour operators remain optimistic, predicting bookings could climb to 90 percent as Eid approaches. The festival, marking the end of Ramadan, is expected to fall on 31 March or 1 April, depending on the moon sighting.
The holiday season usually kicks off two days before Eid and spans a week after, with the first four days of Eid being the busiest.
Imranul Alam, managing director of Tour Group Bangladesh, said bookings are stronger for spots like Sreemangal, the Sundarbans, Cox's Bazar and Bandarban. However, interest in Sajek, Kuakata, and Sylhet remains sluggish.
Imranul Alam, managing director of Tour Group Bangladesh, said bookings are higher for spots like Sreemangal, the Sundarbans, Cox's Bazar and Bandarban
Alam attributed Sajek's slump to a recent fire incident, while Sylhet and Kuakata traditionally draw bigger crowds during monsoon and winter, respectively.
In Cox's Bazar, the country's premier beach destination, roughly half of all hotel rooms have already been snapped up. The town has around 500 hotels and 2,000 restaurants and food outlets.
Jahid Islam Russel, head of accounts at Hotel Delwar Paradise, said 50 percent of their rooms are already booked, with full occupancy expected before Eid.
"We are getting a good response from the guests due to the extended holiday," he added.
Kalimullah, secretary of the Cox's Bazar Hotel-Motel Association, said over half of accommodations are reserved for the post-Eid week, with 80 percent occupancy likely by the festival.
For many Dhaka residents, the beach town offers a much-needed respite during two Eids and other occasions.
A group of 12 friends from Dhaka chose Cox's Bazar to break free from the city's monotonous routine.
"Our daily lives revolve around home and office -- it's boring," said Arifuzzaman, one of the travellers. "Eid is our chance to unwind. Yes, it'll be crowded, but the sea and open sky make it worth it."
Jahangir Alam, inspector of Cox's Bazar Tourist Police, said they have ramped up security for the Eid rush. There will be additional patrols to ensure safety.
Further south, Kuakata -- home to Bangladesh's second-largest beach -- is also bracing for an influx.
Businesses, from hotels to food stalls, have made extensive preparations, with 60–70 percent of rooms already booked.
Al-Amin Khan Ujjal, assistant general manager of Sikder Resort and Villas, reported around 70 percent occupancy and expected a full house soon.
"We've upgraded facilities, including the pool, to enhance the guest experience," he said.
Jahirul Islam of the Kuakata Tour Operators' Association said the quiet Ramadan period allowed hotels to prepare thoroughly. "We're anticipating hundreds of thousands of visitors," he added.
Local officials, including Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md Robiul Islam, confirmed all arrangements are in place, while tourist police in-charge Shakhawat Hossain Topu highlighted special security measures for the holidays.
Meanwhile, international trips are stealing some of the domestic market's thunder.
Tour Group Bangladesh Managing Director Imranul Alam noted a 30–35 percent dip in advance bookings compared to last Eid, with summer heat driving travellers abroad. His firm has seen a 50 percent spike in overseas holiday packages.
Mainul Islam Raju of Diganta Travel Freak echoed the trend, citing safety concerns and a growing preference for destinations like Thailand, Malaysia and Sri Lanka -- especially with India's tighter visa rules.
Md Rafeuzzaman, president of the Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh (Toab), told The Daily Star that three-fourths of last year's business is taking place this year.
He attributed people's limited mobility after the July uprising last year to the declining businesses.
According to the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics, tourism contributed 3 percent to GDP and 8 percent to total employment in the 2018–19 fiscal year.
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