Drawn by the allure of hills and sea, Cox’s Bazar witnessed a surge of tourists during the Eid holidays, with at least 350,000 tourists thronging the beach over the past three days, claimed tourism stakeholders.
However, with the end of the extended holiday, the number of tourists at the world’s longest natural sea beach began to decline from Tuesday.
Abul Kashem, president of the Cox’s Bazar Residential Hotel, Motel,and Guest House Owners’ Association, said that at least 350,000 tourists visited the area in three days.
“The number has started to decline from Tuesday, but tourists are expected to continue arriving in varying numbers until Friday,” he added.
On Tuesday afternoon, a visit to the Sugandha point of Cox’s Bazar sea beach revealed that, although the holiday had ended, tourists still filled the shoreline.
From Laboni to Kolatoli points, visitors were scattered across the beach, enjoying the sea in their own ways.
Tourists were seen strolling along the vast sandy stretches, riding beach bikes, horses, and jet skis, while others relaxed by the shore, enjoying the cool breeze and watching the waves.
Many remained busy capturing moments of their trip, while most headed into the sea for a refreshing dip.
Hamidur Rahman, a tourist, said he had arrived in Cox’s Bazar the day after Eid and planned to return on Tuesday night.
“There is hardly any space to walk along the beach due to the crowd. I have never seen such a large gathering before. It feels wonderful to witness so many people enjoying themselves,” he said.
Sea Safe Lifeguard Service project officer, Imtiaz Ahmed, said that no untoward incidents occurred during sea bathing, despite the large number of tourists.
“Ensuring safety for more than 100,000 bathers each day has been challenging, as only 27 personnel are deployed. Still, we managed to maintain safety, which is a relief,” he added.
During the Eid holidays, Tourist Police Cox’s Bazar Zone inspector Zahed Hossain prioritized ensuring the safety of tourists.
“Tourist police remained on duty round the clock from the beach to hotel and recreation zones, and the effort is continuing,” he added.
He also said that, alongside the beach, tourists also visited Marine Drive, Himchari, Darianagar, Inani ,and Patuartek rocky beaches, the Buddhist monasteries in Ramu, Adinath Temple in Moheshkhali, Dulahazara Bangabandhu Safari Park, and the Burmese Market in the town, with no reported incidents.
By Mohammad Morshed
Photo: Mohammad Morshed
