Tourism industry in hiatus

The first blow of any disaster in a country is likely to fall on it's tourism industry. Travel bans and suspensions caused by ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has already sent the sector into tailspin. Inbound and outbound travel and domestic tourism have come to a complete stop. Domestic tourist spots are empty since people are advised to stay home to stem the spread of coronavirus. Residential hotels have been without guests for the past couple of months.

Those involved in domestic tourism now stare at bleak future amid this coronavirus pandemic. Hotels and motels have been deserted. 5-star hotels are also bearing the brunt of the pandemic's impact. Foreign tourists and foreigners involved in garment industry usually choose these hotels for their accommodation. Due to the ongoing situation, most of the rooms are empty now. Other components in the sector, for instance, tour operators, travel agents, are also the worst hit. Around 15,000 people involved in this sector are already on the verge of losing their jobs. Even if the pandemic is over, it might take around two years for the tourism industry to recover from this hit.    

When the country’s situation remains normal, many foreigners visit Bangladesh and many Bangladeshis tour outside the country. But due to Covid-19, the tourism business has collapsed in what is typically its peak season. Domestic tourism is also a big part of the country’s tourism business. Tour operators usually arrange air tickets, and book hotels, transportation and so on under the same package. Due to cancellation of bookings, everybody involved in these operations gets financially affected.      

Alongside the hotels and motels of Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation, different organisations run under private arrangement are also feeling the pinch of the global pandemic. Not only the big investors but also the small investors in this sector are passing a tough time. 

State Minister for Civil Aviation Mahbub Ali said the tourism sector has collapsed – it’s a loss for all. The hotels and motels of Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation have been designated as temporary hospitals for treatment of Covid-19 patients, whereas InterContinental Dhaka, Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel and other similar private entities are suffering losses due to the pandemic, he said. An all-encompassing initiative has to be taken to overcome the crisis, he observed.   

A committee is working on how to tackle and overcome the crisis, said the minister, adding that decisions would be taken taking into consideration all the issues involved. 

Due to Covid-19, tourism business had started to collapse since January this year. Tour Operator Association of Bangladesh (TOAB), has estimated their loss at Tk5, 700 crore. If the situation does not improve, losses will pile up. As there is no income, local tour operators, guides, community level people are suffering. When the pandemic is over, tourism sector leaders demanded that the government create a Tk500 crore fund to brand Bangladesh internationally in a bid to attract foreign tourists. They also demanded incentives from the government to overcome the current crisis.     

Businessmen in tourism sector said livelihood of around 40 lakh people, including tour operators, travel agents, tourist guide, is at stake. In the government-announced stimulus package, they said, there is no specific mention what facilities the tourism sector would enjoy. There are some conditions which are not compatible with the sector. Without the government’s special allocations and facilities, it will be difficult for the sector to overcome the crisis and come back, said the insiders.   

/ti/at/nm