[🇧🇩] Bangladesh Tourism

[Saif]

Dhaka’s 5-star hotels facing a dearth of guests

Most of Dhaka’s five-star hotels are not faring well for a dearth of guests, as political uncertainties and security concerns following the August 5 student movement are putting off most events and travel plans.

www.thedailystar.net

Dhaka’s 5-star hotels facing a dearth of guests

Most of Dhaka's five-star hotels are not faring well for a dearth of guests, as political uncertainties and security concerns following the August 5 student movement are putting off most events and travel plans.

Industry insiders said the nine five-star hotels in Dhaka were facing difficulties as commuting within the capital has become troublesome owing to abrupt protests and untoward incidents.

Moreover, some countries such as the US, UK, and Japan have issued travel alerts discouraging their citizens from travelling to Bangladesh.

Hospitality service providers said the nine five-star hotels can host around 2,500 guests per night.

Business had slightly improved in October, but the momentum was lost in November as the risk of social unrest simmered, according to the management authorities of these hotels.

Business had slightly improved in October, but the momentum was lost in November as the risk of social unrest simmered, according to the management authorities of these hotels

"Business is yet to pick up despite a slight improvement compared to the situation in July and August," said Mohammed Nafeuzzaman, public relations manager of Pan Pacific Sonargaon Dhaka.

"Currently, our hotel occupancy rate is 30 percent, whereas it is around 65 percent under normal conditions," he said.

However, there has been a slight improvement in the occupancy rate in December, although the business has not returned to levels as per expectations, Nafeuzzaman said.

The hotel, which has 278 rooms, is located in the downtown area of the city, making it a preferred choice for business clients to hold events, he added.

According to Nafeuzzaman, revenue fluctuations in the hotel industry are normal and reflect the nature of the business.

"We do not operate purely on occupancy; we run an event-based business," he said, adding that the situation may improve in the coming days.

"Business is better than in July and August, and we turned a profit in October," he said.

Mahmud Hassan, director of sales and marketing at Dhaka Regency Hotel and Resort, said a lack of guests in mid-November had put the hotel in a precarious position.

"The number of guests increased to 80 to 100 per day in October but has since dropped to just 15 to 20," he added.

At present, the business is getting by catering to airline crews, he said.

Hassan said the number of business travellers, particularly from India, has fallen significantly due to ongoing tension between the two countries.

Moreover, very few business exhibitions are being organised, for which there are hardly any event-centric guests, he said.

"Under normal conditions, especially in winter, occupancy typically reaches 100 percent. However, there is no sign of improvement in guest numbers," he said.

Hassan also said a lack of new investment, be it by locals or foreigners, has negatively affected the luxury hotel industry. Furthermore, alerts issued by countries like the US and Japan discouraging travelling to Bangladesh have also impacted the hotel and hospitality sector, he added.

"The United Kingdom announced a travel alert on Tuesday, which has added to the challenges," Hassan said.

According to him, most of their guests usually arrive from China, India, and the US but now citizens of these countries reluctant to come on visits.

"Now the occupancy rate has dropped to 40 percent or 45 percent from around 60 percent in October," said Nazrul Islam, director of marketing and sales at Radisson Blu Dhaka Water Garden.

"Normally, our occupancy rate ranges from 78 percent to 80 percent," he said.

He said business travellers usually account for 70 percent to 80 percent of their room occupancy, but their numbers have declined significantly, severely affecting the hotel's business.

"Recovery possibility depends on stabilisation of the political and economic situation of the country," said Islam.

While there was a slight increase in business travellers in October, different incidents afterwards caused a decline again, he said.

"Currently, only 10 percent of the rooms are occupied by business travellers," he said, adding that while some representatives of non-governmental organisations were arriving from abroad, their numbers were minimal.

Islam also mentioned that airlines typically reserve 50 of the hotel's 200 rooms.

However, with fewer international flights departing from Dhaka, that number has also decreased, he said.

He said the overall situation has left the hotel unable to generate enough revenue to cover operational expenses.

"This applies to almost all five-star hotels, not just Radisson," said Islam.

However, Tuhinoor Sultana, cluster public relations manager at The Westin Dhaka, had a more optimistic view.

"Despite the overall challenging situation for international travellers, we are receiving a good number of guests from Europe and China," she said.

She also said the hotel has recorded an increase in corporate bookings for events, seminars, and symposiums over the past two months.

"We are on the path to recovery, but our performance does not reflect that of the overall the luxury hotel industry," she added.

According to Sultana, the occupancy rate at The Westin Dhaka has now increased to 70 percent, up from just 10 percent at the height of the political unrest in July-August.

She attributed this to the hotel's strategic location at Gulshan 2, an upscale area and business hub of the city.​

 

[Saif]

Overtourism in Cox’s Bazar

BANGLADESH is exceedingly proud of Cox’s Bazar, a tourist gem known for its longest uninterrupted sea beach with golden sands and turquoise waters. However, a brewing ecological and socio-economic crisis is below the surface of its attraction. A hot spot for millions of annual holidaymakers, the...

www.newagebd.net

Overtourism in Cox’s Bazar
Md Mosleh Uddin Sadeque 10 December, 2024, 00:00

BANGLADESH is exceedingly proud of Cox’s Bazar, a tourist gem known for its longest uninterrupted sea beach with golden sands and turquoise waters. However, a brewing ecological and socio-economic crisis is below the surface of its attraction. A hot spot for millions of annual holidaymakers, the region is having to confront one aspect of overtourism, which has pushed its finely poised ecosystems and infrastructures over the edge.

Although the tourism industry enhances economic development and creates jobs and infrastructure, the unchecked influx of visitors has negative consequences.

Environmental degradation tops the list, where beaches are littered with rubbish, coral reefs marred by pollution, and forests destroyed to make way for things like tourism facilities. Overcrowded roads, failed waste management, and stressed water resources only aggravate the ordeal of infrastructure. In addition, the overconsumption of natural capital, including water and fisheries stocks, erodes local livelihoods. The result has been a boon for many, but the tourism boom is increasingly seen as double-edged.

Environmental costs of popularity

The tourism boom has been both a blessing and a curse for Cox’s Bazar. On the one hand, it supports the local economy, bringing revenue to hotels and restaurants, transportation services, etc. On the other, it leaves an environmental disaster in its wake. The impact is visible: plastic waste litters its beaches, and oil pollution smothers the coral reefs. Forests are pulled down to make way for new hotels, while garbage pours out of local management systems. Traffic congestion in peak and off-peak seasons also doubles the woes for locals and tourists.

Communities caught in the crossfire

THE human impact of overtourism must be considered. Local communities are paying the price. The region risks becoming a spectator sport as more developers and enablers try to commercialise the ecological magic here rather than preserve it. Traditions, too, fall to the wayside and are commercialised for tourist tastes, further waning some of the most colourful cultural heritage that strengthens this region. Meanwhile, excessive pressures on natural resources — from water to fish stocks — reduce the ability of many communities to make a living.

Furthermore, natural resource depletion, such as water to fish stocks, is also damaging local livelihoods. While the booming tourism industry is a blessing for some, it has become a curse for many.

Finding a way forward

AMID the crisis, there is hope. Government, business, and civil society stakeholders must unite for sustainable tourism. A concerted approach is a dire need of the time where Cox’s Bazar Development Authority could take the lead role in coordinating with the government and business community for immediate interventions as follows:

The government should implement tough tourism regulations to regulate the number of visitors, restrict the construction of large-scale resorts or hotels in sensitive areas, and manage tourist activities to reduce environmental damage. It should enforce zoning laws that safeguard natural areas from overdevelopment and guarantee sustainable land use.

To mitigate tourism’s environmental impact, the government should prioritise sustainable and eco-friendly infrastructure projects, including renewable energy sources, waste management systems, and water conservation initiatives. Public transport networks to mitigate traffic congestion and carbon emissions from private vehicles should be considered as well.

The community should be involved in tourism planning and decision-making. This may encompass stakeholder engagement in developing tourism policy, public consultations, and community-based tourism initiatives. To foster local entrepreneurship by offering small businesses financial assistance and training programmes should be made available for locals. In this manner, the revenue from the tourism industry will remain within the community.

It is important to establish a tourism management body to monitor visitor numbers, evaluate tourism’s environmental and community impact, and suggest policies as necessary. A system for visitor registration or a tourist tax to regulate the flow of visitors and generate revenue for environmental conservation and community development can also be introduced.

It is important to earmark protected areas and marine reserves to protect critical ecosystems and prevent tourism activities from damaging them. There should be educational campaigns to encourage visitors to respect local culture and reduce environmental impact, thereby promoting responsible tourism practices.

The government should encourage businesses to implement corporate social responsibility initiatives that prioritise environmental sustainability and community development. This could encompass supporting environmental initiatives, healthcare, or education in the local area. The public-private partnership is needed to foster sustainable tourism practices and provide support for community-driven initiatives by collaborating with the government and local NGOs.

The businesses, such as hotels, resorts, and restaurants, should also be encouraged to adopt sustainable practices, such as reducing plastic use, recycling waste, and sourcing local products to minimise environmental impact. Business entities should promote the development of eco-tourism and cultural tourism experiences that generate employment opportunities for local artisans/tour guides and benefit the local community.

Business should establish partnerships with concerned government organisations, local businesses, civil societies, labour organisations, international development agencies, community organisations, and local NGOs to establish a unified approach to tourism management and safeguard the ecosystem. This can assist in aligning business objectives with community interests and foster a sense of shared responsibility. They should encourage the advancement of community-based tourism initiatives that empower local communities and offer alternative income sources.

The clock is ticking

COX’S Bazar is not a mere district but symbolises Bangladesh’s natural and cultural heritage. If overtourism continues unchecked, those things that make it special will be lost, too. Nonetheless, swift action and a unified approach can only conserve its ecosystem. Visitors, locals, businesses, and policymakers must shoulder some of these responsibilities for safeguarding the pristine environmental diversity of Cox’s Bazar. Indeed, we cannot let this national gem become the parable of ‘neglect and greed.’

Dr Md Mosleh Uddin Sadeque is a development practitioner working as an adviser at the Integrated Development Foundation and a native of Cox’s Bazar.​

 

[Saif]

Tourism restriction harms Saint Martin's economy

Access restriction has badly affected the economy of Saint Martin's, the only coral island and one of the most popular tourist spots of the country. This downturn during the peak season of tourism is causing frustration among Saint Martin-centric businessmen as well as the locals. "With lim

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Tourism restriction harms Saint Martin's economy
The downturn during peak season disheartens businesspeople as well as locals
GULAM RABBANI
Published :
Dec 14, 2024 00:38
Updated :
Dec 14, 2024 00:38

Access restriction has badly affected the economy of Saint Martin's, the only coral island and one of the most popular tourist spots of the country.

This downturn during the peak season of tourism is causing frustration among Saint Martin-centric businessmen as well as the locals.

"With limited tourists, hotels and resorts are being forced to offer lower room rates, pushing businesses into losses," Abdullahil Mamun Niloy, owner of the Neel Hawa Beach Resort in the island, told the FE.

In previous years, tourists were officially barred from visiting the island for six months of the year, only being allowed to visit from November to April.

However, in late October this year, the interim government decided to allow tourism for just three months of the year as part of efforts to protect the native biodiversity.

As part of the decision, the tourists will be allowed in Saint's Martin Island in November but they cannot stay at night.

Overnight stays will be allowed in December and January but the number of tourists on the island cannot exceed 2,000 per day.

The island will remain closed to tourists in February. Cleaning and conservation initiatives will be conducted then.

Mr Niloy further said, "Although many of the locals in the island have hotel business, they usually do not run their entities themselves. The locals who are involved in hotel business usually rent their entities to the big-time operators for the entire season. However, they became the most-affected community this season as the big businessmen didn't show any interest in renting their hotels this year due to the tourist restrictions."

Most of the hoteliers especially who came from outside of the island are trying to attract the tourists through online process, he said, adding that it will be tough for them to earn the maintaining cost through this way.

Md Shukur Ali, a local resident of the island who ferries passengers from Saint Martin's jetty to Chera Dwip, said, "Transportation of the tourists to Chera Dwip from the main island has been stopped. As a result, about 40 boats are lying idle at the pier. Several hundred people involved in transportation have become unemployed. We are in trouble."

As his boat is stuck in the pier, Shukur along with others is now trying to go back to his old profession, fishing in the sea.

Abu Siddique, owner of Hasan Restaura in the island, told the FE that his sale was average Tk80,000 to Tk0.1 million per day in the previous years, while now it is average Tk20,000 to 30,000 per day. Most of the time, the restaurant remains vacant, he added.

The island experienced a shortage of tourists throughout the month of November, claimed Mr Siddique, adding that even the number of tourists cannot reach the restricted level, 2,000, in some days of the month.

Average number of tourists in the island was 6,000 to 8,000 in the past years.

Insiders said many of the tourists do not know about the launching of passenger ships to the island while many are considering Saint Martin tourism as a complex process due to restrictions and travel pass.

Some people are avoiding travelling in the island as costing has been increased due to ships' sailing from Nuniar Chara jetty of Cox's Bazar instead of jetties in Teknaf.

Mr Siddique said number of tourists has increased in the island after December 10 as holidays have begun.

Shiblul Azam Koreshi, immediate past president of the Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh (TOAB), told the FE that people involved with the tourism industry are victims of discrimination.

"The policymakers who are using fossil fuel to run their car and live within air-conditioned rooms are crying to protect the environment of the Saint Martin," said Mr Koreshi.

He suggested that single-use plastics should be strictly prohibited to protect the environment. However, he said tourism should continue unrestricted, adding that alternative travel routes to the island should be developed.

The use of generators on the island should be stopped and environmentally-friendly solar plants should be set up, Koreshi said, adding that construction of permanent structures using bricks, sand, cement, and rods should be controlled.​

 

[Bilal9]

Tension in the hills hits tourism

Empty hotels, unsold fruits at roadside vendors and idle jeeps at stands -- these are the adverse sights in the south-eastern hill districts of Khagrachhari and Rangamati, two popular tourist destinations in Bangladesh, following the recent deadly violence.

www.thedailystar.net

Tension in the hills hits tourism

View attachment 9193
Normally vibrant with tourists and staff, a resort in Sajek Valley now wears a desolate look after a recent directive by the authorities discouraging people from visiting the region. Sector people estimate the blow to be around Tk 80 lakh per day. Photo: Subrata Chakma

Empty hotels, unsold fruits at roadside vendors and idle jeeps at stands -- these are the adverse sights in the south-eastern hill districts of Khagrachhari and Rangamati, two popular tourist destinations in Bangladesh, following the recent deadly violence.

Industry people estimate the blow to the scenic tourist spots to be around Tk 80 lakh per day, which amounts to over Tk 10 crore during the past two weeks, as visitors were discouraged from travelling there.

Tourist flow to the hilly districts was already lean for about three months in late 2023 ahead of the national elections in January. Then came the flooding, following which the hill tourism started to recover until fierce nationwide student movements began in July.

The government ouster in August and subsequent violence between the indigenous communities and Bangalees subsequently punctured the turnaround spirit.

Amid this turmoil, the directive issued by the Rangamati District Administration yesterday discouraging tourists from visiting Sajek Valley has posed another hurdle for businesses around the "queen of hills" during the peak season for tourists.

During the peak season, which runs from September to April, around 3,000 to 3,500 tourists visit Sajek Valley per day. Some 130 hotels and motels there accommodate these visitors.

"We have not been getting enough guests since September 19," said Rahul Chakma John, organising secretary of the Cottage and Resort Owners Association (CROA) of Sajek.

"But the current situation is not favourable," John said.

"We do not have enough income since tourist flow has dwindled."

He added that not only cottage and resort owners but also restaurants, transport services and other related businesses had been suffering.

For example, indigenous people sell oranges, pineapples, bananas, papayas, guavas, lemons and watermelons to tourists. So, if people do not come and buy, the unsold fruits at roadside shops mean a direct blow to the livelihood of growers, he said.

Bangladesh's tourism sector has a turnover of around Tk 76,990 crore annually, according to a 2020 report by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics. The country boasts 30 tourist destinations with around 2.5 crore local people visiting the spots annually.

Of domestic tourists, nearly 10 percent travel to the hill districts, according to an unofficial estimate. Combined with Cox's Bazar, the three hill districts typically draw in 55 percent of all domestic tourists.

The turmoil not only impacts Sajek Valley, but also hampers tourism and hospitality businesses in Rangamati, according to Suparna Debbarman, president of CROA.

He said owners of cottages and resorts in Rangamati town are in fear of possible attacks.

Mousumi Chakma, owner of Gallery Hotel in Rangamati town, said they usually keep their restaurant open from 10:00am to 11:00pm every day. However, recent arson attacks on properties owned by ethnic minorities is compelling them to close as early as 7:00pm.

"We have seen every incident of communal violence target indigenous businesses," she added.

Alok Bikash Chakma, manager of Rangamati Holiday Complex, said that since last week's arson attacks, they have incurred losses of at least Tk 60,000 to Tk 70,000 per day due to a lack of tourists.

Moin Uddin, president of the Rangamati Hotel Malik Samity, said the recent violence caused income to plummet to zero in Rangamati town.

"Many tourists now feel panicked and unsafe about visiting Rangamati," he added.

According to Uddin, there are around 60 hotels in Rangamati town, with each incurring losses of Tk 50,000 to Tk 60,000 per day amid the current situation.

Sarwar Hossain, manager of Nishargo River Valley at Kaptai upazila in Rangamati, said that since July, they have been suffering from business disruption due to a lack of tourists.

However, local tourism in the adjacent Bandarban district has not been largely affected as tourists are still coming. There has been no communal violence in the district recently.

Royal Bawm, manager of Hill Side Resort in Bandarban town, said that almost all hotels and resorts in the town are getting expected occupancy every day and there is no fear among the locals.

However, residents of the hill district said the number of travellers who enjoy adventure and want to travel to remote hilly spots, such as Boga Lake, Tazing Dong, Keokradong, Remakri Waterfall and Nafakhung, has declined since early this year.

Due to the decline, the income of the indigenous people in remote areas of the district has decreased.​

Tourism will rebound once the disease of some pahari locals sheltering insurgents stop.

Bank looting and taking away Bangalees for ransom purposes doesn't exactly spell blockbuster tourism for the area.

 

[Saif]

Tourism will rebound once the disease of some pahari locals sheltering insurgents stop.

Bank looting and taking away Bangalees for ransom purposes doesn't exactly spell blockbuster tourism for the area.

We have to abrogate the peace treaty with the shanti bahini. Because it didn't bring about peace in the hills. Since the insurgency could not be stopped politically, we have to end it militarily.