Hotels, motels, guest houses and restaurants in Cox’s Bazar are going to reopen from June 24 in compliance with government health directives in an effort to revive the battered tourism industry of the popular tourist destination.
Senior Secretary of the Local Government Division Md Helaluddin Ahmed informed of the decision at the Covid-19 Prevention Committee meeting, which was later conveyed to the press by Additional District Magistrate Abu Sufian through a meeting held at the ATM Zafar Alam Conference Hall of the district administration on June 21.
Tourism businesses in the popular tourism hub of the country Cox’s Bazar have been long demanding to reopen the beach city for tourists in compliance with all health guidelines to recover the losses caused by the subsequent lockdowns following the pandemic.
Even though the hotels, motels, guest houses and restaurants in Cox’s Bazar will be reopening, all tourist spots will remain closed.
Also, the authorities have asked not to let anyone book a room without an urgent need and no dine-in will be available at the restaurants either.
Additional District Magistrate Abu Sufian said, "Hotels, motels and guest houses are being reopened conditionally in view of the demands of the tourism-related people for their livelihood. A monitoring committee has been formed for implementing the health guidelines. The committee has given necessary directions to the hotel-motel authorities. If there are any irregularities in the implementation of the guidelines, the monitoring committee will close the establishments again."
The district administration said, no tourist can book a room for the purpose of travelling; rooms can only be rented to anyone in urgent need.
Moreover, only 50 per cent of the rooms can be rented out. The restaurant in the hotels will only be open for room service. The swimming pool will be closed. Dine-in is not allowed in the restaurants.
Besides, disinfectant spray and temperature measurement should be provided at the entrance of the hotels. Hand sanitisers should be provided in all rooms including the lobby.
The entire hotel has to ensure all the health rules. Violation of any of these conditions will result in punishment, added the district administration.