Chattogram Bureau :
The Chittagong Hill Tracts tourism sector is in turmoil due to the ongoing lockdown. All tourist centers in Khagrachhari, Rangamati and Bandarban have been closed since March 14.
Since then, there are no tourist hills. Tourists did not visit this Eid. So the financial loss of this sector is increasing day by day. Tourism stakeholders claim that the mountain tourism sector, which has developed over the past two decades, is facing the most difficult times. Mountain tourism has been booming in recent years. However, at present the tourist centers are deserted. Hotels and motels are closed due to lack of permission from the administration.
In previous years, there was a lot of trade during the Eid season, but this time it is zero. Many traders are in danger of losing capital. Tourist entrepreneur Faisal Ahmed Rocky said travel to tourist destinations has been banned since mid-March. Since then, there are no tourist hills.
As a result, the traders here are multiplying the losses. Even if there is no income, the employees have to pay monthly salary.Even if there are no guests, there is a cost for the maintenance of the resort. But there is no income. The monthly rent of the resort is closed. If the situation is normal, the decision will be taken in consultation with the resort owners regarding the payment of rent. Even if they pay half the rent of the resorts, many investors will suffer financially.
Transport owner Arun Kumar Das said about 250 Mahindra vehicles travel to Khagrachhari-Saje in Khagrachhari. Most cars pay a monthly installment of Rs 36,000 to Rs 40,000. However, the owners are not able to pay the installments of these vehicles due to lack of income. Transport companies are pressuring to pay the installment.
AKM Rafiqul Islam, unit manager of Khagrachhari Tourism Motel, said tourism was the most affected sector due to Corona. Many have lost their jobs due to the closure of hotels and motels. Many have become unemployed.
Although the situation in Corona has improved, it will take another year to restore people’s confidence in the tourism sector. People go out to travel 100 percent safe.
Khagrachhari Deputy Commissioner Pratap Chandra Biswas said all tourist centers in Khagrachhari have been closed as per the government’s instructions. Such a decision has been taken to prevent corona infection. The tourist center will be reopened if the government gives instructions to reduce the infection.
