Continuous heavy rainfall and stormy weather have brought a near standstill to the tourism sector in Cox’s Bazar. As tourist numbers dwindle on the beaches, hotels and motels have become almost empty, leaving local businesses reeling from significant losses.
According to the Cox’s Bazar Hotel-Motel Owners’ Association, tourist arrivals have plummeted by nearly 80 percent over the past two weeks. Most bookings were canceled during the first three days of June due to relentless rainfall.
A visit to the Laboni, Sugandha, and Kolatoli beach points revealed a noticeable absence of visitors, even during the holiday season. Rough seas and ongoing rain have forced most beachfront restaurants and food stalls to close, while those that remain open are seeing virtually no sales.
Similarly, beachside shops, mobile vendors, and street food sellers—offering items like fuchka and chotpoti—along with seafood restaurants, are struggling with a lack of customers.
However, tourism stakeholders remain optimistic. Despite the week-long slump, they predict a massive influx of tourists during the upcoming Eid holidays. Preparations are already underway to welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors back to Cox’s Bazar.
By Mohammad Morshed
Photo: Mohammad Morshed
