The Kuakata Hotel-Motel Owners Association demanded 24/7 uninterrupted electricity support from the government as it is one of the major tourist destinations in the country.
MA Motaleb Sharif, secretary-general of Kuakata Hotel-Motel Owners Association raised concern adding: “The tourist city of Kuakata does not only have great economic potential for the southern region but also the whole of Bangladesh.”
The city hosts around 50000 to 60000 tourists each week during peak seasons, contributing to its economy.
Sharif on Tuesday at the National Press Club highlighted the current situation of electricity availability in the area.
The government claims 100% electrification of all cities but the city dwellers suffer from power outages 10 to 12 times every day.
“There is no electricity for 10 hours each day. However, the voltage is so low that the AC, TV, fridge, fan, and other electronic equipment of all the organizations including hotels and motels are constantly getting damaged. As a result, we are suffering financially,” he said.
The association also demanded a separate sub-station.
“Tourists have lost interest in travelling to Kuakata due to the heat and are returning after staying for one day instead of three. Despite repeated pleas to the nearest electricity office, the situation did not improve,” he added.
Meanwhile, regarding the transport communication to Kuakata, the association said:
Incumbent Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina declared Kuakata a tourist city in 1997.
The development work of the new Payra bridge is near completion and is awaiting inauguration.
And once the Padma Bridge is opened, tourists will be able to reach Kuakata in just five hours from Dhaka.
According to tour operators, tourists are always keen to travel to the country's southwestern destinations such as Kuakata and Sundarbans.
"With the completion of Payra Bridge, local tourism will see a boom as the bridge can ensure hassle-free travel to Kuakata,” said Md Rafeuzzaman, president of Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh (TOAB).
“We have already sent a proposal to the government to launch cruise services between Kuakata and Sundarbans as it will attract both local and international tourists,” he told Dhaka Tribune.
According to TOAB, there are more than 150 hotels; including two five stars, in the region that cater to about 10,000 people daily.