Bangladesh’s extended Eid holidays have significantly boosted domestic tourism, stretching the usual three- to four-day peak travel period into nearly ten days across major destinations. The longer holiday has shifted consumer behaviour, allowing families and professionals to plan longer, more comfortable trips rather than rushed short getaways.
Md Nezam Uddin Bhuyan, company secretary of the Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh, said the extended break enables people to travel more comfortably.
“Since tourist visas to India are not being issued, and with ongoing conflict in the Middle East, interest in travelling abroad has declined slightly,” he added. Industry insiders estimate outbound travel is down around 30 per cent compared with last Eid-ul-Fitr.
Among outbound travellers, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives are gaining popularity, with many combining trips to Sri Lanka and the Maldives.
“As a result, many are choosing local destinations such as Cox’s Bazar and the Chittagong Hill Tracts,” Nezam said, highlighting a shift toward accessible domestic options.
In Cox’s Bazar, beaches are alive with visitors from across the country. Farid Alam, a service holder visiting with his family, said, “This Eid, we stayed home first and came to Cox’s Bazar the next day. With the longer holiday, we can now travel and relax more comfortably. It’s both an Eid celebration and a short vacation rolled into one.”
Hotels are reporting strong guest flow.
Sakib Mashrur Bari, senior manager of Hotel Long Beach, said long-staying guests have increased, with deluxe rooms in high demand while suites remain comparatively underbooked. The hotel expects near full occupancy on most days until 28 March.
Sajek Valley has also seen a surge in visitors. Raju Chakma, manager of Meghpolli Resort, said all rooms are fully booked until March 31, with more than 2,000 tourists staying across Sajek, operating at full capacity. He noted Sajek remains a highly preferred destination for holidaymakers.
In the Sundarbans, Sundori Eco Resort manager Emran Sarker Emon said, “The usual 3–4 days of tourist rush has stretched to nearly ten days. From 21 March to 31 March, our resort remains fully booked.
After working throughout Ramadan, people are now taking time to relax. Many celebrate Eid in Dhaka first, then travel here for a getaway.” Visitors are arriving from districts across Dhaka and Khulna divisions.
Emon stressed the potential for sustainable growth: “The Sundarbans is one of our most valuable national assets, yet its tourism potential remains underutilised. The government should prioritise developing eco-resorts within designated tourism zones.”
In Sreemangal, Dewan Abdur Rouf, owner of Icchebari Eco Resort, said bookings were low until the eve of Eid but increased sharply from Eid day.
“Currently, around 80 percent of our rooms are occupied, and we expect this trend to continue until 27 March,” he added, noting that nearby resorts are experiencing similar booking surges.
The extended Eid holiday has allowed more people to travel and unwind, while giving local tourism a substantial economic boost, underscoring the rising appeal of Bangladesh’s domestic destinations and the increasing sophistication of travel behaviour among consumers.
