A large number of tourists have flocked to Cox’s Bazar sea beach during the five-day holiday combining Durga Puja and the weekly holidays, with around 90 per cent of rooms at hotels, motels and cottages already booked.
Tourism businesses expect more than 700,000 visitors to arrive in the country’s leading tourist destination during the holidays.
On Tuesday, the first day of the holidays, Laboni, Sugandha, and Kalatali points on the beach saw a rush of visitors from the morning. The influx has also increased at other tourist attractions across the district.
Although the tourism season in Cox’s Bazar usually begins in November, the extended Puja holidays have brought an early surge in visitors. People from different parts of the country are travelling to the coastal town to enjoy the sea, scenic surroundings and favourable weather.
Visitors were seen spending time with family members and friends, bathing in the sea, walking along the sandy beach and taking photographs. Horse riding, beach bikes and jet skis were among the attractions drawing tourists.
The growing number of visitors has also raised hopes among beachside traders and tourism businesses of improved sales during the holiday period.
Abul Kashem Sikder, president of the Cox’s Bazar Hotel-Motel Owners Association, said thousands of tourists had arrived at the beginning of the five-day holiday.
“We expect an average of 150,000 tourists to visit Cox’s Bazar every day during the five-day holiday. Accordingly, the number of visitors could exceed 700,000 over the period,” he said.
He said Cox’s Bazar had more than 500 hotels, motels and cottages, with around 90 per cent of their rooms already booked.
Security measures strengthened
Authorities have strengthened beach security to manage the increased number of visitors and prevent accidents. Lifeguards and security personnel are maintaining round-the-clock surveillance, particularly at the main beach points.
Tourists have been advised to exercise caution while bathing and follow lifeguards’ instructions. Sea-Safe lifeguards are working at Laboni, Sugandha and Kalatali points to help ensure safe swimming.
Zainal Abedin, senior lifeguard at Sea-Safe, said security measures had received greater attention because of the increased number of tourists during the holidays.
He urged visitors to remain cautious and follow lifeguards’ instructions before entering the sea to avoid accidents.
Meanwhile, tourist arrivals have also increased at Marine Drive, Himchhari waterfall, Dariyanagar, Inani and Patuartek, among other attractions in the district.
Mohammad Mahmudur Rahman Sayem, assistant commissioner and executive magistrate of the district administration’s tourism cell, said ensuring tourists’ safety and properly managing the tourism industry remained the authorities’ top priorities.
“We are keeping watch to prevent businesses from charging excessive prices and to ensure that tourists are not harassed in any way,” he said.
Additional Superintendent of Police Mohammad Ahidur Rahman said tourist police and district police personnel were deployed at the sea beach and other tourist spots across the district to ensure visitors’ safety.
The holiday rush has raised hopes for tourism-dependent businesses in Cox’s Bazar. However, ensuring tourists’ safety, maintaining service standards and preventing harassment remain key challenges for the authorities and tourism operators.
By Mohammad Morshed
Photo: Mohammad Morshed
