The novel coronavirus has dealt a blow to the tourism sector in the country. Like all other sectors, people in the tourism business are assessing their losses.
At this time in other years, tourist destinations like Ratargul, Lalakhal, Jaflong, Pangthumai, Bisnakandhi, Madhabkunda Eco Park, Lawachara National Park, Madhabpur Lake, Madhabkunda Waterfall, HumHum Waterfall, HakalukiHaor, BaikkaBeel Wetland Sanctuary, the Sreemangal Bird Park and Breeding Centre of Sylhet, and Moulvibazar, would be brimming with thousands of tourists. But all these places are now desolate.
The impact of Covid-19 has proved so massive that it might take years for the sector to return to normal, said sources.
All hotels and resorts in the two districts are almost empty now. Only some security personnel are guarding the establishments and many others have been on unpaid leave for the last couple of months.
According to a Sylhet Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) estimate, the tourism industry has been incurring a loss of Tk 2.5 to Tk 3 crore daily in the district since March 26, after the nationwide shutdown came into effect due to the coronavirus pandemic.
SCCI president ATM Shoeb defined the sector as including hotels, restaurants, souvenir shops, transportations, boatmen, tourist guides, tour agencies and many others. All are at a loss and in dire need of government support to overcome the situation.
On June 21, after a meeting with SCCI, the Sylhet Hotel and Guest House Owners Group declared an extended closure of all hotels and guest houses till the situation improves.
The group's president, Sumat Nuri Juwel, said It is impossible to continue operating businesses maintaining limited access and health protocols.
“The administration has not provided any detailed instructions on how we should do this," he added.
Shekhor Ghosh, general manager of Hotel Holy Gate in the city, said resorts have been closed since March and they are struggling to maintain and pay staff. Getting the government stimulus is proving to be tough due to the non cooperation of banks.
Rahamat Ali, a boatman in the Ratargul Swamp Forest area said the area was closed days before the nationwide shutdown and they have been struggling since March. Like Rahmat Ali, many others said they have not received any support yet.
Md Jakaria, additional divisional commissioner (general) of Sylhet, said: "We don't have any special support plan or program for people in the tourism sector. The government is however providing some monthly cash support for people and many from the tourism industry are included in the list of recipients."
When contacted,Sumit Chowdhury, president of Syhet Hotel and Guest House Owners Group, said they have to face a great challenge due to Covid-19 pandemic.
Even after the pandemic is over, people will be reluctant to travel. It will be hard for businesses to survive as everything is uncertain.
Meanwhile with almost no tourist visiting, people involved in jobs such as guides, boatmen, photographers, vendors and souvenir sellers are bearing the brunt of the situation, he said.
Amazing Srimangal under Moulvibazar district would at this time attract tourists in their droves with its lush green tea gardens in the rainy season. But all these places are now desolate.
SreemangalTour Operator Md Rizvi said there are 100 hotel resort and 100-150 motel guest houses in the district. Hundreds of people are dependent on the resort. As they have no income now, they have to face tough situation.
At this time in other years, more the 10,000 tourists visited the areas every day, Rizvi added.
Meer Nahid Hasan, newly appointed deputy commissioner of Moulvibazar, saidas a tourist area, Sreemonagl plays a vital role in our economy.
“If we get permission from the government, we will open the tourist spots, “he added.
