[🇧🇩] Bangladesh Tourism

[Saif]

https://thefinancialexpress.com.bd/national/restriction-on-tourism-in-rangamati-sajek-lifted

Restriction on tourism in Rangamati Sajek lifted
FE ONLINE DESK
Published :
Feb 25, 2025 23:00
Updated :
Feb 25, 2025 23:00

The Rangamati district administration has lifted the restriction on tourism one day after the massive fire that engulfed nearly 100 resorts, restaurants and houses in Sajek Valley, a popular tourist destination in Rangamati’s Baghaichhari upazila, on Tuesday.

Shirin Akter, Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) of Baghaichhari, said the restriction which was imposed after the fire incident, was lifted on Tuesday afternoon.

Earlier on Monday, the local administration in Rangamati discouraged tourists from visiting the fire-ravaged Sajek Valley for safety reasons, reports UNB.

The decision was taken temporarily to ensure tourists’ safety following the devastating fire, said UNO.

Habib Ullah, deputy commissioner of Rangamati, said over 90-95 resorts, shops, cottages and dwelling houses were gutted down during the massive fire that broke out at Sajek Valley around 1 pm on Monday.

The local administration formed a committee to investigate the massive fire and asked the committee to submit its report within seven working days.​

 

[Saif]

Sajek fire a wake-up call for the tourism sector

There must be proper safety measures in all tourist destinations

www.thedailystar.net

Sajek fire a wake-up call for the tourism sector
There must be proper safety measures in all tourist destinations

VISUAL: STAR

Our hearts go out to the victims of the devastating fire that swept through Rangamati's Sajek Valley, one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. According to estimates given by the district administration, the fire—which broke out around 1:00pm on Monday—gutted about 98 establishments including 36 resorts and cottages, 35 houses, 20 stationary shops, and seven restaurants. Business owners estimate the total damage to be around Tk 100 crore, including Tk 30 crore lost in tourism-related destruction alone. While the scale of the fire has caught many by surprise, preliminary investigations reveal glaring lapses that make such a tragedy seem all but inevitable.

According to a report by Prothom Alo, the fire, which burned uncontrollably for hours, was exacerbated by the lack of a fire station nearby. By the time fire service units from Dighinala, Khagrachhari, Rangamati, and other far-flung areas arrived, the damage was already extensive. The water crisis in Sajek also hampered firefighting efforts by locals. There were other factors responsible for the devastation. For example, most structures in Sajek are built of wood and bamboo, making them highly flammable. The uncontrolled expansion of resorts and cottages without proper regulations also created a densely packed environment where fire could easily spread. Moreover, none of Sajek's estimated 126 resorts and cottages had fire extinguishers, nor had there ever been a fire drill in the area.

How could such a popular spot develop without having any fire safety measure in place? Why didn't the local administration and fire service department enforce necessary measures, even after similar fires broke out in Sajek in 2017, 2021, and 2023? While the lack of fire and building safety is a threat that extends to all of Bangladesh—especially urban and industrial settings where fire incidents are a common occurrence—the Sajek episode should serve as a wake-up call for the tourism authorities and entrepreneurs. We need sustainable tourism that prioritises safety, not unplanned expansion that compromises it.

The question is, how could such a popular spot develop without having any fire safety measure in place? Why didn't the local administration and fire service department enforce necessary measures, even after similar fires broke out in Sajek in 2017, 2021, and 2023? While the lack of fire and building safety is a threat that extends to all of Bangladesh—especially urban and industrial settings where fire incidents are a common occurrence—the Sajek episode should serve as a wake-up call for the tourism authorities and entrepreneurs. We need sustainable tourism that prioritises safety, not unplanned expansion that compromises it.

The immediate priority, however, is to ensure the victims are properly compensated and helped in rebuilding efforts. At the same time, steps must be taken to prevent fires in the future. The establishment of a fire station in Sajek or nearby areas has become crucial. Also, given the water shortage in hilly regions, every resort and cottage there should be mandated to have fire extinguishers and other essential firefighting equipment. All this must be done as part of a strict regulatory framework for tourism infrastructure development.​

 

[Saif]

Cox’s Bazar hotels offer huge discount in Ramadan

However, as Ramadan began on Sunday, the hotels and guest houses of Cox’s Bazar started to get deserted.

en.prothomalo.com

Cox’s Bazar hotels offer huge discount in Ramadan
Abdul Kuddus
Published: 06 Mar 2025, 08: 37

Hotels and motels of Cox’s Bazar are offering special discounts in the holy month of Ramadan.

Cox’s Bazar sea beach, one of the most popular tourist attractions of the country, was teeming with thousands of tourists last Thursday and Friday. All hotels and guest houses were fully occupied on the weekend.

However, as Ramadan began on Sunday, the hotels and guest houses of Cox’s Bazar started to get deserted. The impact of the month of fasting is so much so that 95 per cent of over 500 hotels, guest houses and resorts are lying vacant. At least 40,000 hotel and restaurant employees have also gone on vacation.

To attract tourists during the month of Ramadan, the hotel authorities in Cox's Bazar have announced a maximum 70 per cent discount on room rent. That is, the rent for an air-conditioned room that is Tk 2,000 in normal time has been slashed to only Tk 600.

Even a special arrangement has been made to spend the night free of charge for the people who cannot afford to stay in a hotel. Hoteliers think those who have not been able to visit the Cox's Bazar beach and other tourist attractions in the district due to additional expenses can take advantage of this special discount during the month of Ramadan.

Mukim Khan, general secretary of Kolatoli Hotel Resort Owners Association, told Prothom Alo that more than 4,000 tourists visited Cox’s Bazar on Sunday, the first day of Ramadan.

Hotels are offering up to 70 per cent discount on room rent. Arrangements are there to stay at hotels for free for the tourists with financial crisis. The special discount will remain in place till Eid day. Over 500 hotels and restaurants are retentive of 187,000 tourists.

95 pc room vacant, renovation underway

The seven-story Rain View Resort in Kalatali has 51 rooms. Only four rooms were occupied on Sunday. The adjacent Hotel Cox International has 25 rooms. There were guests in only one room while 24 were vacant.
Nazim Uddin, owner of the Shahjadi Resort at Dolphin Crossing, said 43 out of 45 rooms of his resort are vacant. The hotels remain vacant during the month of Ramadan every year. However, the announcement of this special discount may bring some tourists.

Nazim said his resort is offering up to 70 per cent discount on room rent to attract tourists.

The hotel owners said that at least 2.1 million tourists came to the beach in November and December last year. During this time, the hotel rooms were fully occupied. Some 6-7 million tourists arrived in January and February of this year.

Abul Kashem Sikder, president of the Cox's Bazar Hotel and Guesthouse Owners Association, said that a maximum discount of 70 per cent is being offered. At least 99 per cent of restaurants in Cox's Bazar remain shut during the month of Ramadan. Most hotel, guesthouse and cottage employees are also sent on compulsory leave. Already, 30-40 thousand employees have gone on leave. The hotels are being kept open with the remaining 10-15 thousand employees. Renovation and painting work is underway at some hotels. However, several hotels and restaurants have arranged for Sahri and Iftar for tourists.​

 

[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.

www.thedailystar.net

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

www.thedailystar.net

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

www.thedailystar.net

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.​