[🇧🇩] Bangladesh Tourism

[Saif]

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.

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Tourist spots await Eid visitors amid tepid demand
Hotel bookings trail last year’s figures over security concerns

Cox’s Bazar beach wears a deserted appearance during Ramadan as visitors prioritise religious observances over leisure activities. PHOTOS: MOKAMMEL SHUVO AND SOHRAB HOSSAIN

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.

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.

A hotel lobby in the coastal town undergoes renovations ahead of Eid. PHOTOS: MOKAMMEL SHUVO AND SOHRAB HOSSAIN

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."

A guest house in Kuakata is spruced up to welcome holidaymakers after the fasting month. PHOTOS: MOKAMMEL SHUVO AND SOHRAB HOSSAIN

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.​

 

[Saif]

Cox's Bazar ready to welcome tourists during Eid holidays

With the holidays lasting nine days, the town is anticipating a surge in visitors from the day after Eid, continuing for the next five days

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Cox's Bazar ready to welcome tourists during Eid holidays

Star file photo

Hotels and motels in Cox's Bazar have made extensive preparations to accommodate the influx of tourists expected during the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr holidays.

With the holidays lasting nine days, the town is anticipating a surge in visitors from the day after Eid, continuing for the next five days.

Bookings in Cox's Bazar are already in full swing, with many tourists reserving rooms in advance for their stays between April 1 and April 5. For April 1-2, around 60-65 percent of rooms in star-rated hotels are already booked, while bookings for April 3-4 are almost full, reaching 90-95 percent, Hotel Seagull CEO Sheikh Imrul Siddiqui Rumi told BSS.

However, bookings for April 5 have dropped to 50-60 percent, reflecting a slight decrease in demand, though overall occupancy is expected to remain high during the holiday period.

Abul Kashem Sikder, president of the Cox's Bazar Hotel Guesthouse Owners' Association, shared that approximately 2.1 million tourists visited Cox's Bazar in November and December last year, while 700,000 came in January and February of this year. During this Eid holiday, the number of visitors is expected to surpass one million.

The trend of increasing tourism is also evident in the significant growth in advance online bookings.

Many tourists have already secured their preferred accommodations, ensuring a smooth and safe vacation, said SM Kibria Khan, founding president of the Cox's Bazar Tours Operators Association (TUAC).

He noted that tourism is thriving even in the summer, with strong bookings for the first five days of April.

As in previous years, hotels and motels are being decorated to welcome visitors. Rooms are being freshly painted, and tourist spots such as Himchhari, Dariyanagar, Inani, Maheshkhali, and Dulahazara Safari Park have all been revitalized to enhance the visitor experience.

Javed Iqbal, general secretary of the Cox's Bazar Restaurant Owners Association, said measures are in place to prevent tourists from facing any harassment, particularly in regard to inflated food prices.

Any complaints about overcharging will be addressed promptly, he said.

Abu Morshed Chowdhury, president of the Cox's Bazar Chamber of Commerce and Industries, predicted that over 900,000 tourists would visit during the Eid holidays, with a continuing influx expected through April 12.

He stressed the need for strict measures so that tourists are not charged extra at hotels, motels, restaurants, or by transport providers.

Local law enforcement agencies are also making preparations to ensure the safety of tourists.

Efforts are underway to reduce traffic congestion and ensure safe travel, said additional superintendent of police (traffic) Jasim Uddin Chowdhury.

Additionally, Cox's Bazar's additional deputy commissioner Muhammad Nizam Uddin Ahmed said mobile courts will be deployed to monitor and prevent unfair pricing practices.

Immediate action will be taken against any hotel or restaurant found to be overcharging tourists, he said.​

 

[Saif]

Sylhet gears up for massive tourist influx this Eid

Expects 15-20 lakh tourists, Tk 150cr turnover

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Sylhet gears up for massive tourist influx this Eid
Expects 15-20 lakh tourists, Tk 150cr turnover

Sylhet is preparing for a massive influx of tourists during the nine-day extended Eid-ul-Fitr holiday, with around 80 percent of hotel and rest house rooms already booked.

Tourism-related businesses expect at least 15 to 20 lakh visitors, generating a turnover of up to Tk 150 crore.

Despite concerns over recent security incidents on highways and at tourist spots, law enforcement agencies and the administration have taken measures to ensure visitor safety.

Sylhet's top attractions include the shrines of Hazrat Shahjalal (R) and Hazrat Shah Paran (R), tea gardens, Jaflong, Bichanakandi, Sadapathor, Ratargul, Lalakhal, Rangpani, and Pantumai. Many tourists also visit the tea gardens of Sreemangal and Madhabkunda in the Moulvibazar district.

During Eid, two types of tourists typically visit Sylhet -- local visitors from the four districts of Sylhet division, who explore multiple spots in a single day, and travellers from other parts of the country, who stay in hotels and resorts.

Foyez Hasan Ferdous, acting president of the Sylhet Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said Sylhet is the only district where multiple tourist destinations are located close together, allowing visitors to explore several sites in a day.

He noted that natural disasters and political instability had affected tourism in recent years but expressed optimism about this year's turnout.

He said the sector's success benefits various industries and called for government intervention to improve road infrastructure and security.

Sumat Nuri Jewel, former president of the Sylhet Hotel, Motel, and Guesthouse Owners' Association and managing director of Hotel Fortune Garden, said the response from tourists has been overwhelming, with almost all rooms booked in advance.

Mohammad Bashir Uddin, additional superintendent of police of the Tourist Police in Sylhet Region, said security measures have been strengthened across six zones, with Jaflong, Sreemangal, and Madhabkunda expected to receive the highest number of visitors.

He said coordination with district and local police has been ensured to provide a secure environment.

Md Anwar-Uz-Zaman, additional deputy commissioner (general) of Sylhet, said Upazila Nirbahi Officers in areas with tourist attractions have been instructed to take necessary precautions.

Relevant engineering departments have been directed to address minor road defects, while a control room with a hotline has been set up under the district administration to assist tourists.

He expressed confidence that visitors would enjoy a safe and uninterrupted holiday in Sylhet this year.​

 

[Saif]

Radhanagar in Sylhet: From a quiet village to major tourist destination

Radhanagar, once a quiet village located just five kilometres from Sreemangal town in Moulvibazar district, has undergone a remarkable transformation due to the influence of tourism.

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Radhanagar in Sylhet: From a quiet village to major tourist destination

Photo: Collected

Radhanagar, once a quiet village located just five kilometres from Sreemangal town in Moulvibazar district, has undergone a remarkable transformation due to the influence of tourism.

Md Islam Uddin, upazila nirbahi officer of Sreemangal, said there are about 100 hotels and resorts in the upazila, one of the country's most popular destinations.

Of these, approximately 60 percent are located in the Radhanagar area alone.

Today, the village is renowned nationwide and has even caught the attention of international publications like The Economist, which featured a report on a resort there.

The first impression of Radhanagar upon entering is one of growth and change.

The village's entrance is marked by the luxurious five-star Hotel Grand Sultan. As one moves further, one encounters resort after resort, with a total of 30 now established. Radhanagar has become the primary choice for tourists visiting Sreemangal, attracting both domestic and foreign travellers.

The village accommodates around 500 tourists daily.

According to the Srimangal Tourism Service Organisation, Radhanagar has become a preferred destination for those seeking an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

"In Radhanagar, you can explore tea gardens, enjoy nature walks, and visit nearby attractions like Lawachara National Park, Madhabpur Lake, and Baikka Beel Wetland Sanctuary," said Roza Islam, a tourist from Dhaka.

Tourism has fostered the construction of more resorts, with another 25 under development. This booming industry has created employment for over 1,000 local residents. Additionally, land prices have skyrocketed, increasing by 50 times over the past decade, as tourism entrepreneurs continue to invest in the area.

Historically, Radhanagar's economy was built on sugarcane cultivation, with traders and workers from across the country visiting the village. Over time, lemon and jackfruit orchards became popular, and the legacy of these agricultural practices still remains visible.

However, since around 2010, tourism has taken centre stage, with businesses continually emerging to cater to the growing influx of tourists. New restaurants, hotels, and handicraft shops are being built, and even a tea leaf sales centre has opened to showcase the area's main industry.

"Radhanagar is a shining example of how tourism can change the socio-economic landscape of a village. It is also a model for eco-tourism. We have given special importance to tourism development here. Tourists can travel safely day and night," UNO Islam Uddin said.​

 

[Saif]

Ctg's natural spaces, tourist spots abuzz with crowds

With pleasant weather and no rain, parks, the sea beach, Naval Academy Road, the banks of the Karnaphuli River, and Chattogram Zoo witnessed a massive turnout

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Ctg's natural spaces, tourist spots abuzz with crowds

Photo: Star

On the first day of Eid, after spending the morning with families and loved ones, many from Chattogram's port city and its upazilas have flocked to tourist spots as an escape from the regular humdrum life.

With pleasant weather and no rain, parks, the sea beach, Naval Academy Road, the banks of the Karnaphuli River, and Chattogram Zoo witnessed a massive turnout.

The Patenga Sea Beach is one of the most visited places for the people of Chattogram or anyone who is visiting Chattogram.

People with families and friends go to the beach for sightseeing on weekends and especially during the Eid holiday. Some were enjoying the tasty treats on the banks, while others were lounging on chairs or boulders. Some took a dip in the waters during a hot summer afternoon.

There is horse riding, balloon-shooting, and other amusement for kids.

Many are here to watch the sun set in the Bay of Bengal.

Near the sea beach is the Naval Academy Road, known just as Naval to Chattogram dwellers. It's a marine drive from the Shah Amanat International Airport to the Navy base, along the Karnaphuli river where it meets the Bay of Bengal.

People park their cars along the banks to enjoy the summer breeze with some samosa, shingara and fried crabs, which is a specialty of the roadside makeshift stalls.

Foy's Lake Concord Amusement World is one of the most sought after places for the people of Chattogram. The park is abuzz with people since the afternoon. Many have come with families and friends to the amusement park for a leisurely evening.

One such visitor is Mohammad Ismail who came to the park with his wife and daughter. He said he lives in Dhaka due to his job and came to the port city on the occasion of Eid.

"My wife and daughter wanted to visit the park," he said, adding, "They mostly enjoy the park's sea world section."

Many were also seen roaming around with friends.

Contacted, Bishwajit Ghosh, manager (marketing) of Foy's Lake Concord Amusement World, said the park has seen a huge turnout of visitors since the afternoon.

"We have arranged all sorts of amusement here in the park for the visitors for their enjoyment," he said.

"Around 4,000 visitors entered the park in the first two hours of the afternoon and we expect, the number will increase throughout the day... Also in the next seven days during the Eid vacation," he said.

The Chattogram Zoo is place, right beside Foy's Lake, where people usually visit on Eid.

The zoo is home to a total of 620 animals and birds of 66 species, including kangaroo, white tiger, lion, deer and peacock, said officials of the zoo.

The zoo also witnessed a huge turnout of visitors since the afternoon. Around a thousand visitors entered the zoo in first one hour.

Naznin Akter, a resident of city's Bahaddarhat area, was visiting the zoo with her six-year-old son.

"My son like kangaroos... He watches them on Animal Planet [a TV channel]," said Naznin, adding, "I am also excited to see the white tigers at the zoo."

Shahadat Hossain Suvo, curator of Chattogram Zoo, said the zoo has been decorated for the visitors during Eid."We expect a huge number of people everyday during the Eid holiday," he said.​

 

[Saif]

Tourism industry in Cox’s Bazar eyes Tk 700cr revenue during Eid

Currently, over 100,000 people are visiting Cox's Bazar daily

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Tourism industry in Cox’s Bazar eyes Tk 700cr revenue during Eid

Businesses in Cox's Bazar have been expecting over Tk 700 crore in revenue following a massive surge in tourist arrivals on the Eid-ul-Fitr vacation.

After a month-long slowdown in the tourism industry due to Ramadan, the beach town is now bustling with visitors. More than 100,000 tourists are arriving daily, a trend likely to continue through next week, said Abul Kasem Sikdar, president of the Hotel, Motel, and Guest House Owners' Association in Cox's Bazar.

"While the influx of tourists this time is promising, it has not yet reached full capacity. Before Ramadan, Cox's Bazar saw a massive influx of tourists, which is why many have opted not to visit this time. As a result, only about 70 to 80 percent of hotel and motel rooms have been booked. Additionally, the hot weather has discouraged some travelers," Sikdar said.

"However, by Friday and Saturday, we expect hotel occupancy to reach 100 percent. Currently, over 100,000 people are visiting Cox's Bazar daily, with an estimated expenditure of around Tk 10,000 per person. This would bring the total income from the tourism sector to more than Tk 700 crore," he added.

Echoing similar projections, Abu Morshed Chowdhury, president of the Cox's Bazar Chamber of Commerce, estimated that the tourism industry would see a gross turnover of around Tk 700 crore within the first week after Eid. He emphasised that this revenue includes all sectors linked to tourism. Hoteliers have been urged to keep accommodation rates reasonable to ensure a positive experience for visitors, he noted.

With over 550 hotels, resorts, and guesthouses, Cox's Bazar can accommodate more than 150,000 tourists.

Sifat Saifullah, a supervisor at Sea Save Lifeguard, reported that more than 150,000 people visited Kolatoli, Sugandha, and Laboni beaches today from morning till evening. Many enjoyed bathing in the sea, while others admired the scenic beauty. The influx began at 9:00am and continued into the afternoon, with tourists spending their evenings strolling along the shore. He also mentioned that 27 Sea Save lifeguards were on duty to assist visitors.

Ensuring security remains a top priority, Inspector Jahangir Alam of Cox's Bazar Tourist Police said strict security measures have been implemented across the beach and hotel-motel zones. Uniformed officers, mobile patrols, and plainclothes detectives are actively working to ensure the safety of tourists.

Sharif Hossain, a newlywed from Dhaka's Rampura, shared his experience, "The view of the sea beach is breathtaking. You can't truly grasp its beauty without being here. Security arrangements are excellent, but due to high demand, hotel rents and food prices seem a bit expensive."​

 

[Saif]

'Beautiful Bangladesh Run 2025' enlivens Hatirjheel, promotes tourism

The Hatirjheel area in the capital turned into a vibrant display of festivity and fitness this morning as the 'Beautiful Bangladesh Run 2025' was held to promote the country's tourism potential globally.

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'Beautiful Bangladesh Run 2025' enlivens Hatirjheel, promotes tourism
BSS Dhaka
Published: 25 Apr 2025, 17: 37

The 'Beautiful Bangladesh Run 2025' was held in Hatirjheel with the aim of showcasing Bangladesh's tourism potential worldwide. BSS

The Hatirjheel area in the capital turned into a vibrant display of festivity and fitness this morning as the 'Beautiful Bangladesh Run 2025' was held to promote the country's tourism potential globally.

Organised by the Aviation and Tourism Journalists' Forum of Bangladesh (ATJFB), the marathon-style event drew more than 700 participants, including foreign diplomats, professional athletes, travel enthusiasts, and key stakeholders from the aviation and tourism sectors.

The run kicked off at 6:00 am from the Police Plaza end of Hatirjheel and concluded at the Hatirjheel Amphitheatre, where a festive award ceremony followed.

Chief executive officer of the Bangladesh Tourism Board (BTB) Abu Taher Mohammad Jaber, additional inspector general of Tourist Police Md Mainul Hasan, Nepalese ambassador to Bangladesh Ghanashyam Bhandari, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) ambassador to Bangladesh Abdullah Ali Abdullah Al Hamoudi, Philippine ambassador to Bangladesh Nina P Cainglet, Brazilian ambassador to Bangladesh Paulo Fernando Dias Feres and acting ambassador of Thailand to Bangladesh Panoam were present among others.

The event was powered by the Bangladesh Tourism Board, with Rhythm Group serving as the title sponsor.

Speaking on the occasion, BTB CEO Jaber said that this was a thoroughly enjoyable and meaningful event. "We believe such initiatives can significantly enhance Bangladesh's appeal as a global tourism destination," he added.

Rhythm Group managing director Sohagh Hossain and ATJFB president Md Tanzim Anwar also spoke, among others.

Other supporting organisations of the event included the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB), Tourist Police Bangladesh, Association of Travel Agents of Bangladesh (ATAB), Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh (TOAB), Electrolyte Drink Active, Dhaka WASA, Famous Specialized Hospital and Famous Creation.

Additional sponsors were Ethiopian Airlines, Bhaiya Group, Eastern Bank, FitsAir, Bengal Airlift, ShareTrip, Air India, American Tourister, TPC, Titan, Samsonite, Skin Perfume, US-Bangla Airlines, NOVOAIR, and Air Astra.

Two race categories were organised for adult participants: a 7.5-km competitive run and a 2-km fun run.

Winners of the 7.5-km (Men's Category):

1st - Elahi Sardar

2nd - Ashraful Alam

3rd - Sajjad Hossain

Winners of the 7.5-km (Women's Category):

1st - Sadia Shawlin Sigma

2nd - Swarna

3rd - Farzana

Winners of the 2-km Fun Run:

1st - Jisan

2nd - Abhi Islam

3rd - Zahurul

Trophies and awards were handed over to the winners at the end of the event amid applause and celebration.​