With the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr holidays, a massive influx of tourists is expected in Cox’s Bazar, the country’s prime tourist destination. According to sources, nearly 80% of hotel and motel rooms in the city have already been booked in advance. The demand is exceptionally high for luxury hotels, where most rooms are fully reserved, while bookings for mid-range and budget hotels are also rising rapidly.
An official from the Cox’s Bazar Hotel, Motel, and Guest House Owners’ Association stated that this year’s Eid will likely witness more tourists than previous years. “The booking rate is significantly higher than in recent years. We expect all rooms to be fully occupied during the Eid holidays,” he said.
Law enforcement agencies have taken extraordinary measures to ensure the safety of tourists. Tourist police presence has been increased along the beach, while RAB and district police will also maintain strict surveillance. The district administration and tourism department have already held multiple meetings to ensure a smooth experience for visitors.
Local business owners believe this Eid holiday season could generate nearly Tk 2,000 crore in tourism-related trade. In addition to hotels and motels, restaurants, transport services, beachside vendors, and tourism-related shops are expected to surge in business.
Meanwhile, those who have not yet booked accommodations may face difficulties finding available rooms at the last minute. Several hotel management authorities have reported a sharp rise in booking requests over the past few days, with the remaining available rooms being reserved quickly.
Tourism officials advise travelers planning to visit Cox’s Bazar during Eid to confirm bookings as soon as possible to avoid last-minute inconveniences. Given the current trend, a shortage of accommodations is highly likely during the peak holiday period.
By Rajin Saleh
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