Tourism Struggles Ahead of Ramadan in Bangladesh

Hotels and resorts across the country have reported weaker bookings, a downturn driven by a mix of political uncertainty, security concerns, and the broader national climate surrounding the recent election

Feb 16, 2026 - 19:50 Updated: Feb 25, 2026 - 16:44

Tourism Struggles Ahead of Ramadan in Bangladesh

A tea garden at Sreemangal in Sylhet. Photo used for representational purpose only. Photo: Xinhua

Bangladesh’s tourism industry is navigating one of its toughest seasons in recent memory.
Hotels and resorts across the country have reported weaker bookings, a downturn driven by a mix of political uncertainty, security concerns, and the broader national climate surrounding the recent election. Traditionally a peak period for domestic travel, this winter season has fallen short of expectations, prompting operators to rethink their strategies.
As Ramadan approaches, resorts and hotels from Gazipur to Sylhet and Cox’s Bazar are rolling out steep discounts and special packages. Price cuts range from 30 to 60 percent at properties such as Sarah Resort in Rajabari to flat 50 percent reductions at Bhawal Resort and Spa. Even high-demand beach destinations such as Cox’s Bazar are offering half-price deals alongside curated iftar and sehri packages to attract guests.
The scale of these promotions reflects more than a temporary dip in demand. In Gazipur, room occupancy fell to around 20 percent this February, compared with 50 percent in the same period last year. Resorts in Sylhet report a 20 percent decline, while in Cox’s Bazar bookings are already down by about 30 percent ahead of the fasting month. These figures suggest that political and social conditions have had a tangible impact on domestic tourism, reshaping visitor patterns even before Ramadan begins.
Operators are hoping that the Eid holidays will offset some of these losses, but the window is narrow. For now, the sector is maintaining a delicate balance: attracting travellers with aggressive discounts while managing the financial strain caused by lower occupancy.
The measures being introduced underscore a broader reality for Bangladesh’s tourism sector: even established destinations remain vulnerable to wider national fluctuations. This season’s experience may influence how hotels, resorts and travel platforms prepare for future cycles, combining price incentives with innovative packages to sustain visitor interest in an uncertain environment.

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