Cox’s Bazar, home to the world’s longest unbroken sea beach, has seen a lull in tourism over the past month due to Ramadan. The usually bustling coastal city witnessed near-empty beaches, and hotel staff had a relatively quiet period. However, the scenario is set to change as the Eid-ul-Fitr holidays begin, with business owners preparing for a surge of tourists.
According to local tourism stakeholders, the Eid holiday stretch, which started on Friday (March 28), extends for nine days, including weekends. While the initial days were relatively quiet, the influx of visitors is expected to peak between April 1 and April 5. Over 500 hotels, motels, guesthouses, and resorts in Cox’s Bazar have already seen a surge in bookings. Star-rated hotels reported full occupancy by Friday, while other accommodations had reached 55-60% of their capacity.
Tourism entrepreneurs estimate that over 100,000 visitors will arrive daily during this peak period, with the total number expected to exceed 750,000. To welcome the influx, hoteliers, restaurateurs, and Burmese product vendors have completed renovations and final touches to their establishments.
High Demand for Accommodations
Abul Kashem Sikder, President of the Cox’s Bazar Residential Hotel, Motel, and Guesthouse Owners Association, confirmed that April 1-5 bookings are already pouring in. He anticipates more than 750,000 tourists visiting the region during this period.
Addressing concerns about overpricing, he assured that all hotels have published their room rates, and most accommodations offer online booking services to ensure transparency.
Rana Karmakar, Manager of Mermaid Beach Resort, shared that they have introduced special Eid discounts on room rates, an exclusive seafood menu for guests, and a live fish cooking experience. Additionally, on April 4, Mermaid Beach Resort will host a New Moon Festival for visitors.
Enayet Ullah, Manager of Hotel Sea-Gull, stated that their rooms are fully booked for the first two days after Eid, with bookings steadily increasing for subsequent days. Abu Taleb Shah, Manager of Hotel Cox-Today, highlighted that maintenance work, including room refurbishments and pool cleaning, has been completed, ensuring a seamless guest experience.
Businesses Prepare for a Busy Season
Retailers at Laboni Point, such as Burmese product vendor Abdu Rashid, have stocked up on pickles, children’s toys, footwear, and clothing in anticipation of high sales. Dried fish trader Sharif, owner of Sundarban Shutki Store, has stocked ten varieties of dried fish, including loitta and chhuri, expecting high tourist demand.
Ensuring Tourist Safety and Convenience
Zainal Abedin, a senior lifeguard from the Sea Safe Lifeguard Organization, mentioned that lifeguards utilized the Ramadan period for additional training and are now fully prepared to ensure visitor safety.
Abu Morshed Chowdhury, President of the Cox’s Bazar Chamber of Commerce and Industries, projected that the influx of tourists could generate business worth approximately BDT 750 crore across 13 tourism-related sectors. He urged authorities to prevent overcharging at hotels, restaurants, and transport services.
Jasim Uddin Chowdhury, Additional Superintendent of Police (Traffic), assured that law enforcement is actively working to prevent thefts, muggings, and traffic congestion, ensuring a hassle-free experience for visitors.
Tourist Police Additional DIG Apel Mahmud emphasized that security has been heightened, with increased patrolling, undercover surveillance, and designated complaint boxes at key locations to address visitor concerns swiftly.
Cox’s Bazar Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Salahuddin announced that mobile courts will be deployed to prevent overpricing and tourist harassment. Any complaints of exploitation will be investigated immediately.
Exciting Eid Festivities Await Visitors
To make the Eid holiday even more memorable, a Beach Festival will take place at Kolatoli Beach from April 2 to April 5. The festival will feature various attractions, including fun rides, magic shows, live music, a selfie booth, fireworks, diverse food stalls, shopping options, celebrity meet-and-greets, a kite festival, and exclusive discount coupons for hotels and restaurants.
With such an array of entertainment, improved facilities, and enhanced security, Cox’s Bazar is ready to offer travelers from across the country an unforgettable Eid vacation.
Contributor: Tareque Hasan
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