Cox’s Bazar’s tourism economy experienced a robust beginning during the Eid-ul-Azha holiday, with hundreds of thousands of visitors from across the country flocking to the country’s premier beach destination.
The extended holiday period brought a surge in tourist arrivals, boosting business for hotels, motels, guesthouses, restaurants, transport operators and recreational facilities. Industry stakeholders had anticipated substantial earnings from the festive season.
However, the momentum gradually weakened as adverse weather conditions, intense heat, and frequent power outages began affecting visitors’ experiences.
Many tourists reportedly cut short their trips, while others cancelled bookings altogether, dampening the optimism that had initially surrounded the holiday season.
Tourism operators said the situation had begun to affect the broader tourism economy, including the accommodation, restaurant, transport, entertainment and small business sectors. If the trend continues, the sector could face potential revenue losses of up to Tk 50 million, they warned.
President of the Cox’s Bazar Hotel-Motel-Guesthouse Owners’ Association Abul Kashem Sikder said that between 5,000 and 10,000 tourists had either shortened their stay or cancelled their bookings recently due to inclement weather and recurring electricity disruptions.
“On average, a tourist spends around Tk 10,000 during a two- to three-day visit. Those who cancelled or shortened their trips reduced their spending by roughly Tk 5,000 each,” he said.
Based on those estimates, the tourism-related sectors may have lost between Tk 25 million and Tk 50 million in potential revenue.
He added, however, that the figures were preliminary and that the actual financial impact could be higher or lower.
Meanwhile, Cox’s Bazar Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Abdul Shukur said tourist arrivals during this year’s Eid holiday fell short of expectations due to the extreme heat, adverse weather, and other factors.
“The tourism sector experienced a slowdown compared with expectations,” he said.
According to his estimate, total business generated during this Eid season may range between Tk 2.5 billion and Tk 3 billion, compared with approximately Tk 5 billion to Tk 7 billion recorded during previous peak Eid seasons.
Industry insiders said that although the Eid holiday initially appeared highly promising for Cox’s Bazar’s tourism sector, the season ultimately failed to maintain its early momentum, with signs of a slowdown becoming increasingly evident towards the end of the holiday period.
By Mohammad Morshed
Photo: Mohammad Morshed and Courtesy
