The traditional tourism off-season in Cox’s Bazar is showing signs of change as the country’s premier beach destination continues to attract tourists despite the monsoon.
In previous years, the arrival of the rainy season would bring a sharp decline in tourist arrivals due to persistent rainfall, rough seas, and unfavourable weather.
This year, however, tourists continued to flock to Cox’s Bazar throughout June, even after the Eid-ul-Azha holidays, with beaches remaining particularly busy during weekends.
A visit to Kolatoli, Laboni, Sugandha and Seagull points found large numbers of tourists of all ages enjoying the beach. While some were swimming in the sea, others were taking photographs with family members or enjoying horse rides, beach bikes and jet skis.
The combination of monsoon clouds, intermittent sunshine and occasional showers has added a distinctive charm to the beach, attracting nature lovers and holidaymakers alike.
Toufiq Rahman, a tourist from Cumilla, said he had previously believed the beach was not enjoyable during the rainy season.
“But after coming here, I found the cool weather and pleasant atmosphere made the trip even more enjoyable,” he said.
Mahbub Islam, a tourist from Gazipur, said the larger waves during the monsoon made the beach more attractive, while hotel accommodation and other tourism services were generally available at lower prices than during the peak season.
Tourism operators also expressed satisfaction with business during what is traditionally considered the off-season.
Md Rezaul Karim, founding president of the Cox’s Bazar Tourist Club and Tour Operators Owners’ Association, said they had expected tourist arrivals to decline after the Eid holidays, but tourist numbers remained steady throughout June.
Imtiaz Noor Somel, marketing manager at Ocean Paradise Hotel and Resort, said hotels experienced lower occupancy on weekdays but enjoyed strong weekend bookings.
People involved in the tourism sector attributed the change partly to shifting weather patterns, saying that shorter spells of rain interspersed with sunshine have created more favourable conditions for travel than in previous years.
Authorities have also strengthened safety measures for tourists. Members of Sea Safe Lifeguard, Tourist Police and the district administration are on duty along the beach.
Senior Sea Safe lifeguard Md Osman said lifeguards were maintaining round-the-clock vigilance to minimise risks in rough seas and respond quickly to emergencies.
Acting superintendent of the Tourist Police, Cox’s Bazar Zone, Md Azmal Hossain said officers were working in two shifts around the clock at Kolatoli, Sugandha, Laboni, Inani and Himchari beaches.
He added that the district administration’s tourism cell was also conducting regular public awareness campaigns and announcements to encourage tourists to follow safety guidelines.
By Abdu Rashid Manik
Photo: Abdu Rashid Manik
