What is the current state of Bangladesh’s tourism?
Our tourism sector is passing through a difficult period, as even mainstream tour operators have been hit hard by the lack of business in the past few months.
Although other sectors can conduct some business, unfortunately we cannot. The government also does not seem to be looking out for us. But we hope we can get some loans from the government's stimulus package for the services sector.
Slowly, this sector is also returning to normalcy with people getting out of their homes and also travelling amid the Covid-19 pandemic. If the situation improves, then the tourism industry could resume its path to more development.
How much loss did the sector incur during the pandemic?
The tourism sector is the most damaged sector due to the pandemic. We estimate that our losses amount to around Tk5,700 crore this year. No hotels, motels and other lodges saw any income from March 26, as travelling was barred.
Is there any estimated timeframe for recovery?
We do not know when the pandemic will end, nor do we know when the vaccines will arrive. Once tourism resumes in full force, all the stakeholders will finally start to earn again. We are eagerly waiting for that day.
Does the industry have any post-pandemic preparations?
We will focus on domestic and cross-border tourism to tide over our losses, as international travel still remains closed for different countries.
Through cross-border tourism, we want to promote trips to the nearby Indian states of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and West Bengal.
As there is an absence of sea beaches over there, we want to promote our Cox's Bazar, Inani beach, Kuakata and St Martin's to them.
We also want to focus on domestic tourism so that it may revive the transportation sector, civil aviation, local tour operators and local businesses.
Any steps to make the places tourist-friendly?
During the Eid vacations, 500,000 tourists gather in Cox's Bazar on average. But littering also increases significantly. If we can show the world that we are a clean nation, this will attract more travellers.
In Singapore, people drop an empty packet of chips into the dustbin rather than littering. We must emulate such culture, as due to excessive littering, our Cox's Bazar sea beach is in shambles.
What steps should be taken to attract foreigners and have our places turn foreign tourists friendly?
I will say that our Bangladesh is not like Thailand or other developed countries. The financial and social context is not the same. As we are a Muslim and conservative country, we have to brand our tourism as such. We cannot open a bar now can we allow foreigners to enjoy beaches as they do in Thailand.
Despite the Holey Artisan attack, foreigners feel at ease in Bangladesh. Our people love foreigners and give their best services to them happily.
Meanwhile, the government is pondering the setting up of an exclusive zone, which is attractive and filled with modern arrangements, including casinos, nightclubs and other facilities for foreigners in Cox’s Bazar. Once built, locals will not be allowed in these establishments, similar to conditions in Malaysia.
