The tourism industry in the hilly district of Bandarban is in a steep decline. The ongoing Rohingya crisis following the landslides and bad weather has caused tourist numbers to plummet. To combat the dwindling tourism, Bandarban Hotel Motel Owners’ Association has announced a 40% discount on all rooms.
The offer has been active from September 17 and will expire on September 27. A total of 45 hotels and motels affiliated with the association in the district town will be offering the discount.
Ashish Dhar, manager of Hotel Greenhill, told the Dhaka Tribune that only two rooms were rented over the past week.
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Association sources say that usually thousands flocked to Bandarban on a daily basis to admire the clouds atop hills, the pristine waterfalls and forests glistening after the rain. The current visitors barely number hundreds, putting a hush over the tourism hotspot.
Not just hotels, cars, jeeps, microbuses who generally charge high rates are also offering discounts, but there are little to no customers who avail them.
Sirajul Islam, general secretary of the association, said: “We hope tourists take advantage of our offers and visit Bandarban with their friends and families.”