Measles outbreak dampens Eid tourism in Srimangal, Kamalganj

A measles outbreak sweeping across the country has cast a shadow over what is usually one of the busiest tourism seasons in Srimangal and Kamalganj, with hoteliers and resort owners reporting a sharp decline in advance bookings ahead of Eid-ul-Azha.

The twin upazilas in Moulvibazar, known for their tea gardens, Lawachara National Park, Madhabpur Lake, Hamham Falls and luxury eco-resorts, typically see near-full occupancy during the Eid holidays.

This year, however, many rooms remain vacant only days before the festival, as families remain hesitant to travel over concerns about children's health.

According to Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) data, the death toll from measles and measles-like symptoms has risen to 545 as of May 25.

Tourism operators said the outbreak has compounded existing challenges, including heavy rainfall and poor road conditions on the Dhaka-Sylhet highway and connecting routes.

“Advance bookings are much lower than expected this year,” said Selim Ahmed, manager of Srimangal Grand Selim Resort and Tours.

“The rains and damaged roads had already affected tourist arrivals, and now the measles outbreak has added to the uncertainty.”

Kazi Shamsul Haque, joint convener of the Radhanagar Tourism Welfare Council and owner of Nisarga Nirab Eco Cottage, said bookings had so far reached only around 30 percent.

“If tourist numbers fall, the impact will spread far beyond resorts,” he said.

“Transport workers, restaurant owners, shopkeepers, guides and day labourers all depend heavily on the Eid season income.”

Resorts in the Radhanagar area, including Novem Eco Resort, Balishira, Chaomin, Tilagaon and Aranya Nibas in Kamalganj, are usually fully booked a month before Eid.

This year, many establishments have introduced discounts ranging from 10 to 40 percent and expanded menus featuring Chinese, Thai, Bengali and local dishes in an effort to attract visitors.

Small businesses that rely on tourism said they were already struggling.

Ratan Mia, who has sold bamboo crafts and souvenirs outside Lawachara National Park for more than a decade, said customer numbers had fallen sharply.

“In previous years, tourists would begin arriving at least a week before Eid and sales remained strong throughout the day,” he said.

“This year I have barely had any customers.”

Drivers at the rickshaw and CNG auto-rickshaw stand near Radhanagar also reported a steep fall in earnings.

“We depend on tourists during Eid,” said Karim Mia, a CNG driver who transports visitors between the town centre and resort areas.

“Local passengers alone are not enough to support us.”

At Madhabpur Lake, food vendors said they had reduced preparations to avoid losses.

“I usually hire extra workers and stock large quantities of food before Eid,” said tea stall owner Minar Hosain.

“This year I have bought only half the usual amount because I cannot risk wasting food if visitors do not come.”

Local tea sellers and small traders said the downturn was already affecting daily sales.

“Tourists buy our tea, honey and paan,” said Abdul Mannan, a tea leaf vendor in Srimangal town.

“When visitor numbers drop, we feel the impact immediately.”

Restaurant owners also expressed concern over the likely financial impact of a weak holiday season.

“Our sales increase several times during Eid,” said Tapas Das, owner of Chamung Restaurant in Radhanagar.

“If tourist numbers remain low, business losses will be severe.”

Russell Alam, general secretary of the Tourist Traders and Tour Guide Operators Association, said the sector had been facing prolonged difficulties.

“The absence of foreign tourists between 2022 and 2025, weak rail and road connectivity, and chronic traffic congestion have all hurt the industry,” he said, urging the government to increase train services on the Sylhet-Dhaka route.

Despite the slowdown, some tourism operators remain hopeful of a late surge in bookings.

“Srimangal attracts visitors throughout the year,” said SK Das Suman, general secretary of Srimangal Tourism Service.

“Advance reservations may be slower this time, but we still expect occupancy rates to improve before Eid.”

Meanwhile, local authorities said security and traffic management measures had been strengthened ahead of the holiday.

Srimangal Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Ziaur Rahman said volunteers would assist traffic police, while Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) and additional police personnel would be deployed at tourist destinations alongside a cleanliness drive across the town.

Tourism Police Officer-in-Charge Md Kamrul Chowdhury said district police, tourist police, Rab and BGB were conducting joint operations to ensure a safe and hassle-free holiday for visitors.