More than 2,000 tourists have arrived from the neighbouring country over the last few days to support their team during the cricket World Cup. Though they lost both matches – the first a shock defeat to the Netherlands and then a comprehensive defeat by Pakistan on Tuesday – traders in New Market, Marquis Street and Sudder Street are happy: retail therapy is soothing many a disappointed fan.
Nearly all hotels in the belt have run out of rooms, and eateries are teeming with people. Almost all shopping destinations have registered a surge in footfall because of the tourist influx.
Tea break on Free School Stree
“Most of the rooms have been taken up by tourists from Bangladesh,” said Protyush Roy, manager of Ambassador Inn on Mirza Ghalib Street. “A large number of them had come to watch the two matches of Bangladesh at the Eden Gardens.”
The arrival of so many fans in Kolkata has boosted the economy on Marquis Street, Mirza Ghalib Street, Kyd Street, Free School Street, Sudder Street and Rafi Ahmed Kidwai Road, areas where a large number of Bangladeshi tourists put up because of affordable hotels, the variety of eateries, several shopping destinations and good connectivity – a “Mini Bangladesh” to locals.
“Businesses are in full swing in Kolkata’s Mini Bangladesh,” said Md Saif Shamim, joint secretary, Free School Street Traders’ Association (FSSTA), which has more than 500 enlisted hotel owners and local traders.
The flow of tourists had reduced earlier in the year, with the travel trade community complaining of visa delays. The problem has been resolved and cricket fans have not faced problems reaching Kolkata.
Noor Hassan, a cricket fan from Dhaka, said he and his fellow travellers timed their stay in Kolkata in such a manner that they could watch both matches of Bangladesh, while using the time in the interim to do some shopping and sightseeing. “Though I visit Kolkata at least twice a year, this is the first time the whole family is here,” said Hassan.
Md Jashimuddin from Barisal reached Kolkata via Petrapole border with 50 members, including a couple of families, for marketing and travelling, apart from watching matches.
Md Samshad Khan, who works as a money exchanger on Sudder Street, said: “For the last five days, we have had good business throughout the day.” Mohammad Usman of Cotton Gallery on Marquis Street said: “Over the weekend, we witnessed a 30% rise in footfall.”
“We have witnessed a surge in customers from Bangladeshat our Marquis Street outlet,” said Rashid Ahmed Mallick, senior manager, Kasturi restaurant. Abdul Goni (38) and Md Rustam (42), who came from Old Dhaka, bought cosmetics from New Market and biscuits, soap from Janbazar.