Tourist crisis in Cox's Bazar puts 20,000 tourism workers in face of unemployment

An unusual tranquility is now prevailing across Cox's Bazar beach. The ongoing violence and curfew that have started since July 17 have rendered the beach deserted and free of tourists.

The lack of tourists has led to the closure of residential hotels and restaurants, leaving Cox's Bazar's tourist traders deeply disappointed.

According to the businessmen, 450 hotels and guest houses in Cox's Bazar have incurred losses worth Tk 100 crore over the past seven days. Additionally, other business establishments, including restaurants, have suffered losses of at least Tk 50 crore.

Salim Newaz, general secretary of the Hotel Motel Guest House Owners Association, said, "Cox's Bazar typically attracts tourists throughout the year, and hotels usually offer 50-60% discounts during the monsoon season. However, despite these attractive offers, tourists are not arriving due to the ongoing nationwide unrest. If this situation persists, the tourism industry could face imminent collapse."

Kalim Ullah, a hotel worker, expressed concerns that around 20,000 tourism-related workers are in the face of being unemployed. If the tourist shortage persists, many hoteliers may be forced to sack their staff.

President of Cox's Bazar Chamber of Commerce and Industry Abu Morshed Chowdhury, said, "The administration lacks statistics on the extent of the damage caused by the crisis in Cox's Bazar. The tourism industry involves everyone, including TomTom drivers in tourist areas. And if we calculate the amount of loss during these few days, it will be around Tk 250 to Tk 300 crore."

The district administration reported that there are currently few tourists in Cox's Bazar. Last Tuesday, stranded travelers were transported to their destination on a bus escorted by the army.