The number of tourists has plummeted this year in Cox’s Bazar because of the ongoing political turmoil.
Although October-April is considered the peak season, political unrest have kept tourists away from the world’s longest unbroken beach.
Small traders said the number of visitors this season fell sharply, leading to a decline in sales. Many of them are thinking of switching their profession.
Mominul Islam, 18, who works in a dry fish store, said: “Before starting working here three months back, I used to work as a photographer on the beach. I used to earn Tk10 per photograph. I delivered the photos in an hour.”
“My daily income was Tk3,000 during peak season; but this year it came down to around Tk200.”
Mohammad Milon, 25, a coral vendor is yet to change his mode of earning livelihood. “Proceeds are almost zero. I am planning to close down my business,” he said.
Medium businesses are struggling to recoup their operational costs.
Most of the hotels and motels are also experiencing a shrinkage in the number of tourists checking-in.
Although the peak season had started two months back, the number of customers are below 70% than estimations made according to last year.
Khandker Shafiul Alam, general manager of Ocean Paradise Hotel, said: “Most of the hoteliers are worried about giving salary to their employees.
