Terror attacks hit Kuakata tourism

The recent terror attacks have adversely affected the tourism business in Kuakata as foreigners and many domestic tourists have cancelled their booking in different hotels and motels.

Haji Iqbal Hossain, a businessman from Bhola, came to Kuakata with his family of four. He said, "I came here to enjoy the natural beauty, but I am afraid of terror attack."

Jotirmoy Mohonto, a government official of Khulna, came to Kuakata with his family of four, including his two daughters Redita, 8, and Arpita 3. "We came here to enjoy the holiday, but we are afraid of terror attacks as the minority people are also targets of the attackers."

Rubel, a professional photographer, said the number of tourists is about half of the previous year.

Syed Mostafa Habib, manager of a hotel in Kuakata, said all of their 40 rooms were booked before Eid, but after the terror attacks in Dhaka and Sholakia, 15 bookings were cancelled.

Motaharul Islam, manager of the Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation-owned motel Parjatan Holiday Complex, said around 15 percent bookings were cancelled following the terror attacks. A couple from France came to Kuakata on July 1, but they left the next day after hearing of the terror attack in Gulshan, he added.

Eight Chinese visitors were staying at Hotel Graver Inn, but they left Kuakata after hearing about the Gulshan attack.

Five other Chinese nationals were staying at Hotel Sikder resort for several days, but they left on July 3 after hearing of the Gulshan attack, said Al-Amin, manager (operation), of the hotel.

Motaleb Sharif, secretary of Kuakata Hotel-Motel Owners' Association, said they were very happy with the help of the law enforcers, but, unfortunately, no foreigners are spending the Eid vacation there. If the authorities concerned can maintain law and order, tourists will visit the beach, he added.

"We are very sincere about ensuring safety of the tourists, especially foreigners, said Billal Hossain, sub-inspector of Kuakata Tourist Police.

Many law enforcers are working round the clock in Kuakata to ensure safety of the tourists from both home and abroad, he added.

Md Foez Ahmed, additional superintendent of Police, said, "We have taken all measures to ensure security of the tourists, including foreigners."