From Kolatoli to Laboni Point, Cox’s Bazar beach is teeming with tourists, leaving barely any space unoccupied. The country’s premier tourist destination is buzzing with activity as all 500+ hotels, motels, and guesthouses in the area report full bookings.

A visit to Kolatoli, Sugandha, and Laboni Points on Friday (December 20) revealed a sea of people enjoying the weekend. The tourist rush coincided with the end of school exams and the peak travel season, drawing families and vacationers in droves.

Many consider Cox’s Bazar safer than hilly districts, boosting its popularity. Additionally, the closure of visas for India has redirected travel enthusiasts to this beach haven.

Tourist Experiences

Sadeq Ahmed from Banglamotor, Dhaka, shared, “We came for a family trip since the kids are off from school. We’re having a wonderful time at the beach.”

Saeed Sami from Rajshahi added, “Cox’s Bazar never gets old. We come here whenever we get a break. December is especially crowded, making it hard to walk. But it’s still enjoyable.”

Managing the Tourist Surge

The influx has kept lifeguards, tourist police, and beach security staff on their toes. Authorities remain vigilant to prevent any untoward incidents.

Mohammad Osman, Senior Lifeguard at SeaSafe, said, “December and weekends always bring more tourists. We’re struggling to manage the crowd this time. To stay safe, tourists should swim only between red and yellow flags and follow lifeguard instructions.”

Senior Assistant Police Superintendent Abul Kalam, Media Spokesperson for the Cox’s Bazar Tourist Police, stated, “We’ve intensified security measures for the travel season. Our goal is to ensure visitors can enjoy their trip safely. We’re also advising tourists to follow environmental guidelines while exploring the beach.”

By Abdur Rashid Manik

Photo: Abdur Rashid Manik