Hotels and motels in Cox’s Bazar offer special discounts of up to 60% on room rates to attract tourists during the holy month of Ramadan.
Abul Kashem Sikder, General Secretary of the Federation of Tourism Owners Association of Bangladesh, stated that tourist numbers usually decline during Ramadan.
“Many people want to visit but are discouraged by high expenses. Keeping this in mind, most hotels and motels in the city are offering special discounts throughout Ramadan,” said Kashem Sikder. As a result, a room that typically costs Tk 1,000 is now available for just Tk 400.
Low Tourist Footfall Despite Massive Discounts
Despite the significant price cuts, Cox’s Bazar sees very few tourists during Ramadan. Nearly 90% of hotel rooms remain vacant, and bookings drop near zero. With fewer visitors, many restaurants shut down for the season, while hotel owners take this opportunity to renovate and upgrade their establishments.
Tourist Influx Expected During Eid Holidays
Although the number of visitors remains low during Ramadan, stakeholders anticipate a surge in tourists during the Eid holidays, which could lead to a shortage of hotel rooms.
Many people will flock to Cox’s Bazar during the Eid holidays. Tourism industry insiders say booking hotels online in advance is advisable to avoid last-minute hassle.
By Rajin Saleh
Photo: Polash Shikdar
