Cox’s Bazar, widely known as the country’s tourism capital, is witnessing a massive influx of visitors driven by the winter season and year-end holidays.
Although the city’s nearly 500 hotels, motels, and resorts can collectively accommodate only around 100,000 to 150,000 tourists at a time, stakeholders fear that more than 400,000 to 500,000 tourists may arrive toward the end of the year.
With 8–9 days remaining before the year ends, most hotels and resorts in Cox’s Bazar have already reported near-complete room bookings. Tourism insiders expect an even larger surge after December 25, centered on Christmas, the following weekend, and celebrations marking December 31, the last day of the year.
Despite it not being a public holiday, heavy crowds were seen from Sunday morning (December 21) at key points along the world’s longest sea beach, including Laboni, Sugandha, and Kolatoli. Families and friends were busy enjoying leisure time along the sandy shores as tourists arrived.
On-the-ground observations showed that from morning until late night, the sea beach, Marine Drive, Inani, and other popular attractions remained bustling with visitors. Long lines of tourist vehicles were also seen stretching along Marine Drive.
Monalisa, a tourist from Dhaka visiting with her family, said they travel to Cox’s Bazar every December. “This year we came a bit earlier and plan to stay for two to three days. Cox’s Bazar is always enjoyable, but it becomes even more beautiful during winter,” she said.
Sazzad Hossain, who arrived from Chattogram with friends, said, “There are eight of us. Hotels are charging around Tk 4,000 per room, and in some cases, extra rates are being demanded. The authorities should increase monitoring to prevent overcharging.”
Inquiries revealed that most of the nearly 500 hotels, motels, and resorts in the city currently have very few vacant rooms, with many already fully booked through December 31.
Business stakeholders estimate that nearly half a million tourists may visit Cox’s Bazar during the final ten days of the year.
Abul Kashem Sikder, president of the Cox’s Bazar Hotel-Motel Owners’ Association, said the city’s accommodation facilities can host around 150,000 tourists per day. “With the Christmas holiday followed by a weekend, the pressure on tourists will increase further. Almost all hotels are already booked in advance,” he said.
He added that hotel owners have been instructed not to charge excessive rates. “Several teams from the administration are working in the field, and we are cooperating fully. Tourist police have also stepped up activities to ensure visitor safety and prevent harassment,” he said.
Additional DIG of Cox’s Bazar region, Apel Mahmud, said extra precautions have been in place since the start of the tourism season. “Tourists will not be harassed under any circumstances. We take complaints seriously and act promptly,” he said, adding that tourists can contact the designated Tourist Police helpline at 01320160000 for immediate assistance.
Local businesses are also benefiting from the tourist rush. Hotels, restaurants, transport services, souvenir shops, and beach-centered small enterprises are experiencing increased activity, which stakeholders believe is positively impacting the local economy.
By Mohammad Morshed
Photo: Mohammad Morshed
