Kolkata shops struggle without BD tourists

Staff Reporter :

Kolkata’s New Market-popularly known as “Mini Bangla” and other retail hubs are facing a major blow to business opportunities ahead of this year’s Eid-ul-Fitr festival due to an unexpected drop in Bangladeshi tourist arrivals.

This central Kolkata area, covering around two square kilometres, houses over 100 hotels and nearly 3,000 shops, many of which heavily rely on tourists from Bangladesh.

Typically, these markets are bustling with Bangladeshi shoppers during this festive season. However, the usual crowd is notably absent this year, leading to a sharp decline in sales. Several shops are struggling to pay rent, with some already shutting down, according to media sources.

Residential hotels are also experiencing low occupancy, while currency exchange centres and transport operators have been hit as well.

Retailers in New Market, Treasure Island, Simpark Mall, and adjacent shopping zones said that 50-55 percent of their business depends on Bangladeshi customers. During Ramadan, this share usually sees a significant rise.

Hyder Ali Khan, general secretary of the Free School Street Traders’ Association, told the Times of India, “Ramadan typically brings a surge of Bangladeshi tourists, as many start shopping early in the month and continue until just before Eid. This year, however, their absence has dealt a major blow to our business.”

Maqsood Ahmed, who runs clothing shop in Shreeram Arcade, noted, “The few Bangladeshi visitors arriving now are mostly here for medical purposes.”

Since 5 August last year, the decline in Bangladeshi tourists has affected not only India’s tourism sector but also had a severe impact on local retailers.