FROM PAGE B4

In 2022-23, the number of local tourists jumped to 217,169 and foreign tourists to 2,274.

Sea Pearl Beach Resort & Spa Ltd in Cox’s Bazar joined the Sundarbans-based tourism business two years ago and currently has two ships for the route. SM Musfiqur Hasan, local supervisor of the cruise ship business segment of the hotel, said after the opening of Padma Bridge, the presence of tourists shot up.

“But it has currently come down to almost zero. We have not been able to attract visitors even after offering packages at discounted prices. Many tourists are cancelling trips owing to safety concerns.”

Karamjal Wildlife Breeding Center is a popular tourist destination in the Sundarbans. It is seeing a dearth of tourists now.

Howlader Azad Kabir, officer in-charge of the centre, said 1,000 to 1,500 tourists used to visit the centre on weekends in the past. Now, it has come down to an average 400 on weekends and 70 on weekdays.

M Nazmul Azam David, general secretary of the Tour Operators Association of Sundarbans, said: “We are in trouble as we are counting losses. When the annual exams at schools and colleges are completed, the presence of tourists usually goes up. But this year, we are witnessing a lack of tourists.”

“Those who had made advance bookings are now asking for refunds,” he said, adding that the segment is witnessing five to six trips now compared to the 50 trips usually seen at this time of the year.