Tourists flocked to Cox’s Bazar beach on Friday, with heavy crowds at the Kolatoli, Sugandha and Laboni points of the country’s leading tourist destination.
Visitors were seen enjoying the waves, spending time with family, and taking photographs against the beach backdrop.
Tourist numbers began to rise at different points along the beach on Friday morning, October 16, with crowds growing as the day progressed.
Tourist couple Sumaiya and Raihan said they were enjoying the beach and its waves.
“Who doesn’t love the sea? The waves are beautiful. We are really enjoying our visit here,” they said.
Another visitor, Brishti, said she was happy to be at Cox’s Bazar beach, although the crowd was heavier than she had expected.
Lifeguards were on duty to ensure visitors’ safety. Lifeguard Abdur Shukkur said tourist numbers were particularly high on Friday and could rise further from October 20.
He said they maintained constant surveillance along the beach to ensure tourists’ safety.
Mahbubur Rahman, a supervisor of the beach police, said the beach police were working alongside tourist police to protect tourists.
Meanwhile, tourism businesses expect more than 600,000 tourists to visit Cox’s Bazar from October 20 to 24 during the Durga Puja festival and the consecutive holidays.
Hotel, motel and resort operators are preparing to accommodate the expected influx. Around 70 per cent of rooms at accommodation facilities have already been booked in advance, according to sources concerned.
Preparations are underway to manage the additional pressure on accommodation, transport, security and services. Tourism-related businesses, including restaurants, transport operators, beach vendors and sellers of dried fish and tourist souvenirs, also expect higher earnings if visitor numbers increase.
The district administration has said it is taking necessary measures to ensure tourists’ safety and comfort during the holidays. It will coordinate with law enforcement agencies and other relevant organisations.
Those concerned have also stressed the importance of keeping beaches and tourist attractions clean, managing traffic congestion and ensuring emergency services are available.
Tourism stakeholders expect the influx of visitors during the extended holiday to inject fresh momentum into Cox’s Bazar’s tourism economy. However, they say coordinated efforts by all relevant parties will be essential to ensure a safe and comfortable experience for tourists.
Mohammad Morshed
Photo: Rahim Uddin
