Tourism and entertainment businesses across Chattogram region are expecting a significant boost during the upcoming five-day Durga Puja holiday, even as a deadly fire at a beachfront resort in Cox’s Bazar has cast a shadow over the sector.
At least 10 tourists, including a five-year-old child, three university students and six members of a single family, lost their lives when a fire gutted the resort at Patuartek in Inani, Ukhiya Upazila. At least seven others sustained severe burn injuries in the blaze, which broke out in the early hours of Saturday.
Abul Kashem Sikdar, president of Cox’s Bazar Hotel-Motel and Guesthouse Owners Association, said a large number of tourists had arrived in Cox’s Bazar for the holidays.
However, he said the fire at Tuptup Resto & Resort in Patuartek had sparked fear and anxiety among visitors.
“It is deeply unfortunate that such a tragic incident occurred during the peak tourist season. The incident has left many visitors shaken and could adversely affect the tourism industry’s growth and development,” he said.
Despite the incident, Sikdar said approximately 70 to 75 per cent of rooms in Cox’s Bazar hotels and motels were currently booked. He stressed the need for stronger government monitoring and regulatory oversight to ensure tourist safety and prevent similar incidents.
According to the association, Cox’s Bazar has around 550 hotels, motels and guest houses, with a combined accommodation capacity of approximately 105,000 guests. Sayeed Alamgir, public relations officer at the star-rated Ocean Paradise Hotel, said hotels generally received a substantial number of bookings during extended holidays and enquiries had been particularly encouraging. “We anticipate occupancy rates of 80 to 100 per cent throughout the holiday period,” he said.
In Rangamati, Md Yusuf Chowdhury, general secretary of Rangamati Hotel Owners’ Association, expressed optimism about a rise in tourist arrivals. He said the fire incident at Inani was unlikely to significantly affect tourism in Rangamati, given the distance between the two destinations.
Rangamati currently has around 52 residential hotels, nearly 40 resorts and 15-20 houseboats. Approximately 60 per cent of the accommodation has already been booked, up from around 20 per cent last month.
The extended holiday, combining three days of government holidays with the regular weekend, runs from Tuesday, 20 October, to Saturday, 24 October. While members of the Hindu community will be engaged in religious rituals, people from other communities are also expected to travel.
In and around Chattogram city, popular destinations expected to draw crowds include Foy’s Lake, Sea World Water Park, DC Park, Patenga Sea Beach, the banks of the Karnaphuli River, the Boat Club, the naval area, the Karnaphuli Tunnel, Parki Sea Beach in Anwara, Well Agro Park, Matita, Cafe 24 and Sunset Point in Bhatiari.
Faysal Kabir, sales manager at Radisson Blu Chattogram Bay View, said the hotel was anticipating an increase in room reservations and guest arrivals, and has introduced special discounts on room rates and services.
Biswajit Ghosh, marketing manager of Concord Entertainment Company Limited, told TIMES that visitor numbers at Foy’s Lake were expected to exceed normal levels. Foy’s Lake Park receives an average of around 600 visitors a day, rising to between 1,600 and 1,900 on Thursdays and Fridays.
In Mirsarai upazila, attractions include Khaiyachara and Napittachara waterfalls, Mahamaya Eco Park, Arshi Nagar Future Park, Hills Dale Multi Farm and the Mirsarai Economic Zone. Jamal Uddin, owner of Arshi Nagar Future Park, expected visitor numbers to double compared with normal periods.
Hossain Zakir, a private-sector employee in Chattogram, said the five-day holiday had given him the opportunity to plan a family trip to Bandarban.
