Tourists flock to Cox's Bazar beach

Tourists are arriving at the sea beach here in increasing numbers at the beginning of winter as the next three months are very important time for tourism business.

Official sources say 50,000-60,000 tourists are coming to Cox's Bazar every day. However, their number will exceed one lakh every day in December.

If everything goes well, the tourists' arrival this year will be more than that in other years and tourism business will also be quite good, they add.

Thousands of tourists were seen bathing in the salty seawater at Sugandha Point at Cox's Bazar beach. Since Saturday was a holiday, the presence of tourists and locals was a little higher.

Nature-lovers are spending their time happily on the blue waters and golden sands of the beach.

The winter atmosphere and holidays have turned the sea beach into a meeting place for tourists.

Tourists were seen in large numbers at various tourist spots in the district, including Inani, Himchhari, Patuartek, Moheshkhali Adinath Temple, Dulahazara Safari Park, Dariyanagar, Ramu Buddhist Temple and Teknaf.

A tourist, Mohammad Iqbal Ali, who came from Dinajpur, said the beach is very beautiful in afternoon. The night time is even more charming. The atmosphere of Cox's Bazar will please anyone.

Another tourist, Gias Uddin, said, "I've come to Cox's Bazar from Dhaka after a long time. This time, the experience of riding the train was extraordinary. Spending time on the beach in the mild winter atmosphere is really pleasant."

Shakil and Maria, a couple hailed here from Rajshahi, said there is nothing much to see in Cox's Bazar except the beach. There should be something new based on tourism here. Besides, food shops are charging higher prices.

Cox's Bazar Hotel Officers Association General Secretary Kalim Ullah said 50,000-60,000 tourists are coming here every day. This number will exceed one lakh by December.

It is expected that the number of tourists this year may increase compared to other years'.

Kalim Ullah also said that a tourist can visit Cox's Bazar with a minimum budget of Tk 5,000.

Tourism entrepreneur Tofail Ahmed said now tourists can easily come to Cox's Bazar by road, air and rail. Especially, the new rail connection and the flight departures until 10:00 pm have made tourism lively.

Mukim Khan, general secretary of the Kalatali Marine Drive Hotel Resort Owners Association, said the number of tourists has been increasing since the start of the winter season. After a long recession, businessmen are now returning to a good position.

Abu Taleb Shah, general manager of Hotel The Cox Today, said that currently there is a good response from tourists, the hotel has a good booking.

"Our business is doing fairly well at the weekends and other days. It is expected that better time will come in the future."

Cox's Bazar Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Abu Morshed Chowdhury said that there would be good business in the next 2/3 months. Security measures must be strengthened for the safety of tourists.

To get positive reviews from tourists, it is important to keep hotel rent, car rent and restaurant food prices at a reasonable level. For this, the district administration and district police must play a special role.

Mr Chowdhury also said, "Our responsibility is not only to attract tourists but also to take initiatives to preserve the natural beauty of this region."

He has urged everyone to be aware of protecting the environment of tourist spots.

Senior Assistant Superintendent of Police of Tourist Police Abul Kalam Azad said special surveillance has been increased at the sea beach and other tourist centres at the weekends. In addition to regular patrols, monitoring is being done through CCTV cameras.

Cox's Bazar Police Superintendent Mohammad Rahmat Ullah said district police, tourist police and other forces are working for the safety of tourists at the beach and nearby tourist spots.

"Efforts are being made to reduce traffic congestion. Special initiatives are being taken to check robberies."

Cox's Bazar Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Salahuddin said a special team, led by an executive magistrate, is working to prevent tourist harassment.

In addition, complaint centres have been set up at various points on the beach, where tourists can get solutions to any problems, he adds.

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