Tourism, hospitality sectors hopeful as hotels, recreation venues reopen today
People involved with tour operations and hospitality sectors have expressed a sigh of relief as tourist resorts, hotels, motels and amusement parks are reopening today.
The government on August 12, said tourist spots, resorts as well as recreation venues will reopen from August 19.
In a notification, the Cabinet Division said they will be allowed to operate at half capacity following the safety protocols.
Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh (TOAB) claimed that the country's tourism sector has incurred a loss of Tk 20,000 crore due to Covid-19 pandemic.
Several lakh people involved in this sector are enduring tough times due to the closure of tourist attractions.
TOAB president Md. Rafeuzzaman today told The Daily Star that if the tourist spots, hotels and motels are kept open in full swing, it might be possible for the stakeholders to gradually recover from the losses.
He, however, said without reopening of inbound and outbound tourism, this sector won't be able to make a turnaround.
People involved with hospitality sector in Cox's Bazar said they are ready to welcome tourists in hotels, motels and entertainment venues in compliance with the government's health guidelines and regulations.
Advanced bookings have started, they also said.
Airlines of the country have already increased number of flights to tourist destinations, including Cox's Bazar.
Rafeuzzaman, also a member of Bangladesh Tourism Board, said that tourism added 4.4 percent to the GDP in 2019.
He said about 4 million people involved in the industry are now in misery.
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