The tourism season is gradually picking up in Cox’s Bazar as the monsoon recedes, bringing clearer skies, pleasant weather, and growing crowds to the country’s most popular beach destination.
With the autumn weather setting in and the Durga Puja holidays approaching, hotels, resorts, restaurants and other tourism-related businesses are preparing for an expected increase in tourist arrivals. Advance bookings have already started at several hotels and resorts, while tourism-dependent businesses are bracing for a busier period.
The tourism season in Cox’s Bazar is traditionally considered to run from October through March or April. Tourist numbers usually remain comparatively low during the monsoon because of rain and adverse weather. Once the rainy season ends and the weather improves, tourists from different parts of the country begin arriving, with the winter months generally bringing the highest pressure.
However, the pattern has changed recently. Tourists now visit Cox’s Bazar year-round, and even during the monsoon, the beach can get crowded on weekends and holidays.
Tourism businesses say September 27, World Tourism Day, often signals the start of the tourism season, but the main rush generally begins in October. This year too, noticeable tourist crowds have been seen at the beach on weekends since early September.
The upcoming Durga Puja holidays are expected to bring another major influx. Tourism businesses are anticipating large numbers of tourists during the consecutive holidays, with bookings already being made at hotels, motels, resorts and guesthouses.
An increase in tourist arrivals is also expected to benefit restaurants, transport operators, dried-fish sellers, Burmese-product shops, beach-bike operators, horse-riding businesses and other small and large enterprises dependent on tourism.
The Laboni, Sugandha and Kolatoli beach points are already seeing growing crowds. Families, groups of friends and couples can be seen at the beach in the afternoon, with some entering the sea while others watch the sunset. Many tourists are also travelling towards Marine Drive, Himchhari and Inani.
Saiful Islam, who came to Cox’s Bazar from Dhaka with his family, said the weather was favourable for a beach holiday.
“The weather is quite good now. We came with our family to enjoy the sea. As tourist numbers are likely to increase during the holidays, the authorities should pay greater attention to security and traffic management,” he said.
Tanjila Rahman, a tourist from Chattogram, said she was enjoying the beach environment.
“The sea and the surrounding environment are very pleasant. If the beach is kept clean and businesses charge reasonable prices, tourists will face fewer difficulties,” she said.
Hotel businesses are also seeing growing interest as the season begins. Mukin Khan, a hotelier, said businesses were optimistic about the coming months.
“Businesses are hopeful as the tourism season has begun. We expect a good number of tourists during the Puja holidays. Hotels are preparing to provide services to them,” he said.
Another tourism entrepreneur, Abdur Rahman, said tourist numbers had already started increasing with the beginning of the season.
“We are seeing more tourists as the season begins. Like every year, we are hopeful about the season,” he said.
The district administration is also preparing for increased tourist pressure. Measures are being coordinated with relevant agencies to strengthen security at the beach and tourist attractions, manage traffic, maintain cleanliness and prevent harassment of tourists.
Additional District Magistrate of Cox’s Bazar Tasnim Jahan said the administration was taking necessary preparations ahead of the tourism season.
“Tourist pressure is expected to increase during the Durga Puja holidays. We will work in coordination with law enforcement agencies and all relevant organisations to ensure their security and comfort,” she said.
Senior lifeguard Rashid Ahmed said lifeguards’ responsibilities also increase as tourist numbers rise during the winter season.
“We complete our preparations in advance and are ready to provide our best possible service. However, we request tourists to follow the instructions of lifeguards while enjoying the sea,” he said.
Tourism stakeholders say the growing presence of tourists at the beginning of the season has created optimism among local businesses. They now expect Cox’s Bazar to welcome tourists throughout the season in a safe, clean, hassle-free environment, allowing tourism-dependent businesses to regain momentum.
By Abdu Rashid Manik
Photo: Abdu Rashid Manik
