Bengal's Alipurduar Hotels Close Doors to Bangladeshi Tourists
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Kolkata, Dec 14 (NationPress) The gates of hotels, lodges, and resorts in Alipurduar district of West Bengal, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, forests, and wildlife, have been shut to Bangladeshi nationals starting Saturday.
The Alipurduar Hotel Owners' Welfare Association declared this decision following a meeting held on Friday.
As per the association's secretary, Pawan Kumar Purohit, "The Indian Tricolour was insulted in Bangladesh. This is unacceptable to any hotel owner in Alipurduar."
"The dignity of our nation is paramount. Therefore, we have chosen to suspend check-ins for any Bangladeshi citizen, and through this measure, we aim to convey a message," stated Purohit.
Reports indicate that, on average, around 2,000 Bangladeshi visitors frequent Alipurduar, with some arriving on tourist visas while a significant number seek medical treatment with medical visas. The winter season typically sees the highest influx of Bangladeshi tourists.
“We are all aware of the potential losses hotel owners may incur due to this decision to deny check-ins to Bangladeshi visitors. However, we are taking this step for the honor and pride of our nation,” remarked another member of the association.
This marks the fourth district-level hoteliers' body to close its doors to Bangladeshi tourists. On December 9, the Greater Siliguri Hotelier Welfare Association similarly announced their refusal of Bangladeshi citizens at hotels in the hills and plains of Darjeeling district.
The decision has also garnered support from the Eastern Himalayan Travel & Tour Operators Association.
The largest hoteliers' body in Malda district was the first to make such a decision earlier this month.
