Gazi Anowar :
The aftermath of the July Revolution has left Kolkata’s economy in a state of disarray, as a combination of political turmoil and restrictive visa policies for Bangladeshi tourists has severely impacted the city’s financial landscape. Known for its thriving tourism industry, the Bengali capital is witnessing a dramatic drop in foreign visitors, particularly from neighboring Bangladesh.
The restriction of visas for Bangladeshi nationals has resulted in a sharp decline in tourism, especially in areas like the “Mini Bangla” zone, where Bengali culture and cuisine thrive. This district, once a vibrant hub for both domestic and international visitors, is now grappling with low foot traffic and decreasing business activities. Small businesses and local vendors, who heavily relied on tourism from Bangladesh, are facing mounting losses.
According to data from the Indian Tourism Office in Kolkata, tourist arrivals from Bangladesh – which previously formed one of the largest groups of foreign visitors – have declined by over 60% since July. Many hotels, shopping centers, and clinics that catered to these visitors are now reporting major losses.
“The July Revolution has created political instability and travel concerns for Bangladeshis,” said Dr. Arindam Mukherjee, an economist at Jadavpur University. “As a result, people are either postponing their travel plans or choosing alternative destinations. Kolkata’s economy is highly dependent on these short-term visitors, especially in sectors like healthcare, garments, and hospitality.”
Bangladeshi tourists and patients have long chosen Kolkata for affordable healthcare, shopping, and cultural familiarity. However, travel agencies report that cancellations and refund requests have surged in recent months.
Imran Hossain, a travel agent based in Dhaka, stated: “Our clients are hesitant to travel due to uncertainty on the borders and a general sense of unease after the revolution. This is not only affecting tourism but also cross-border trade and small businesses.”
Local businesses in central Kolkata, especially in areas like Park Street, New Market, and Salt Lake, have noticed a sharp decline in foot traffic. Some hotel owners are already downsizing staff to cut costs.
In a statement to the press, the Federation of Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) expressed concerns over the long-term ramifications for the city’s economy. “Tourism from Bangladesh was a key contributor to Kolkata’s GDP,” said an FICCI spokesperson. “With the imposition of visa restrictions and the current unrest, the economic impact is devastating for local businesses.”
While Kolkata faces an economic crisis, the situation is proving to be a silver lining for Bangladesh’s economy. With fewer opportunities to visit Kolkata, many Bangladeshi tourists are now redirecting their travel plans to destinations within Bangladesh, bolstering the domestic tourism sector.
As a result, areas like Cox’s Bazar and Dhaka’s Old Town are seeing a surge in visitors, providing a much-needed boost to the country’s hospitality and service sectors. Local hotels, restaurants, and transport services are experiencing increased demand, contributing positively to Bangladesh’s economic recovery.
Tourism experts suggest that the current situation may even prompt Bangladesh to enhance its own tourism infrastructure and marketing efforts, capitalizing on the regional shift. “Bangladesh can position itself as a key tourist destination for regional travelers, capitalizing on the growing desire for cultural and leisure experiences within the country,” said a local tourism analyst.
While Kolkata continues to reel from the economic fallout, the situation highlights the interconnectedness of regional economies. The reversal of tourist flows, while unfortunate for Kolkata, may open new avenues for Bangladesh to attract more regional tourists and further enhance its economic position in South Asia.
As the visa restrictions remain in place, it is unclear when Kolkata will recover fully from the current economic slump. Meanwhile, the ripple effects of these restrictions could continue to affect local businesses, and the shift in tourism patterns may reshape the region’s economic dynamics for years to come.
