The country’s tourism has been suffering due to the outbreak of Covid-19 since last year with the concerned people claiming the amount in of losses in the sector exceeding several thousand crores.
In this situation, after about four and a half months, the tourist centers are open conditionally from Thursday. On the one hand, there is a fear of spreading infection while on the other, those concerned are thinking of the economic crisis.
A notification was issued by the Cabinet Division on August 12 to allow the opening of the tourist centers from August 19 considering the socio-economic condition of the country, economic activities and the overall situation.
The beauty of the mountains attracts a large number of tourists. They come to see the appearance of lake-river-hill-waterfall.
The tourism officials have made all preparations to attract the tourists. They are hoping that tourists will be flocking to Cox’s Bazar and they will get back their old look of business.
Hotels, motels and restaurants have been prepared for better services to tourists. This has revived the long-deserted Cox’s Bazar tourist zone. Apart from Cox’s Bazar beach, other spots including Himchhari, Inani, Sabrang Exclusive Zone, Nature Park, Burmese Market, Dulhazara Bangabandhu Safari Park are ready to welcome tourists.
Tourist Police Cox's Bazar Zone Super, Md. Zillur Rahman said, “The tourist center is opening subject to conditions. Everyone has to go to the beach at a safe distance and follow the hygiene rules. The tourist police will run an awareness campaign among the tourists who come to the beach.”
Rezaul Islam, president of the Bangladesh Inbound Tour Operators Association, said, “The tourist centers have opened. Many people are coming to the tourist centers. We have talked to the Ministry, Tourism Board. We will do everything according to the hygiene rules.”
As in the rest of the country, relief has returned to those involved in the tourism industry in the hilly district of Khagrachhari and others. It is hoped that, mountain tourism will get a boost.
AKM Rafiqul Islam, unit manager of Khagrachhari Tourism Motel, said, “Arrangements have been made for the health protection of tourists as per government guidelines. Health care materials are kept in each room.”
Sirajul Islam, general secretary of the Bandarban Hotel-Motel Owners’ Association, said, “They were facing huge losses as tourist centers were closed for a long time due to lockdowns. Half of the employees have been laid off from hotels, motels and resorts. Those who have started businesses with loans from banks or entrepreneurs in the tourism sector are facing serious problems. However, the opening of the tourist centers will be able to make up for the loss.”
The state minister for tourism said the local administration would closely monitor whether the recreation centers and resorts were following the instructions.
State Minister for tourism Md. Mahbub Ali, said, “The tourist centers have been opened thinking of livelihood and economy. The damaged tourism industry has been given a chance to turn around. The local administration will closely monitor whether the recreation centers and hotels and resorts are following the government’s instructions or not.”
