Hospitality business expected to start recovering by end September

Cox's Bazar : Sea Pearl Cox's Bazar Beach Resort and Spa witnessed only 20 per cent of occupancy across its staggering inventory of 493 rooms in August, following the mass uprising and student protests which began in mid-July. However, by September end, Sea Pearl expects to see the beginning of recovery in the hospitality business.

M A Awal, Group Director of Sales and Marketing, Sea Pearl Cox's Bazar Beach Resort and Spa, said this while talking to The Bangladesh Monitor at his office in the capital recently.

Usually, the hotel on Inani Beach welcomes 50 per cent occupancy on weekdays, which goes up to even 90-100 per cent during weekends or holidays. However, leisure travellers as well as corporate groups are refraining from travel amid the current vulnerable situation of the country, added Awal.

Still, the Group Director of Sales and Marketing foresees recovery soon. He said, the events of July onwards-which were postponed earlier-might start taking place after September.

Meanwhile, to weather out the current crisis, the hotel is offering attractive packages with special rates to guests.

M A Awal, Group DoSM, Sea Pearl Cox’s Bazar

Lion share of the hotel's business comes from MICE groups, informed Awal. The biggest hotel in Cox's Bazar, spread across 15 acres of land, features the largest room and banquet inventories in the popular beach destination, claimed Awal.

The hotel even boats a record of accommodating a corporate group of 4000 people, informed Awal, showing their prowess of holding back-to-back events all day.

Among the stunning range of event and banqueting options, the hotel has five event venues of a 92,400 sqft total space. Of them, there are one pillarless ballroom for large events, one meeting hall with a pre-function area, one poolside cabana for smaller gatherings, one open air amphitheatre of 20,000 sqft and one private beach of over 60,000 sqft. All the venues are supported by modern equipment, high speed internet connectivity and expert catering services.

The hotel has expert manpower of 500 people and, if needed, it hires even more. Hence, catering to large group events comes easy to the property, according to Awal.

Also, the isolated location of the hotel makes it a top-choice for both corporate groups and leisure guests to enjoy serene stays in privacy.

Apart from breathtaking views, luxurious rooms, suites, nine dining outlets offering tailor made cuisines and two swimming pools, the resort boasts of a plethora of indoor and outdoor activities for both adults and kids.

These facilities include an internationally acclaimed water park, tennis and badminton courts, 3D movie hall, billiards zone, a luxurious spa and a well-appointed gym.