Cox’s Bazar pulls crowds on Puja holidays

The country's most popular tourist attraction, Cox's Bazar, is witnessing a huge surge in tourist arrivals owing to a four-day break on the occasion of Durga Puja holiday and the weekend.

As per data from local hotels and motels, as of Friday afternoon, the number of tourist arrivals was estimated at more than 1,20,000.

During a visit today (11 October), tourists were found exploring multiple locations, including Daria Nagar, Himchhari, Inani and Patuartek. 

Hoteliers said this overflow of tourists into Cox's Bazar will continue till 19 October. Meanwhile, 90-98% of the hotel rooms have been reserved for 10-13 October, with bookings for 14-19 October reaching 85%.

Abul Kashem Shikder, president of Cox's Bazar Hotel-Guest House Owners' Association, told The Business Standard that in light of the ongoing holiday, tourists began arriving in Cox's Bazar starting Thursday. 

"On Friday, almost all the rooms of more than 500 residential establishments were booked. At present, more than 1,20,000 tourists are staying in Cox's Bazar. These tourists will stay till Sunday," he said.

Imtiaz Nur Sumel, head of marketing at Ocean Paradise Hotel, told TBS that as the four-day holiday started on Thursday, many travel-loving families have taken the opportunity to visit Cox's Bazar and secured advance bookings.

He said for the four-day holiday, 95% of their hotel rooms have already been booked. In addition, 80-85% of rooms have been booked through 19 October.

Managing Director of Sandy Beach Resort and Restaurant and Vice President of the Greater Beach Traders Association Abdur Rahman said following a prolonged absence, Cox's Bazar has once again emerged in its well-known appearance, filled with the lively presence of visitors.

General Manager of The Cox Today hotel, Abu Taleb Shah told TBS that all of their hotel rooms are already booked.

However, many visitors complain that with the increase in tourists, some residential establishments are charging extra rent.

Rakibul Islam, a school teacher from Dhaka, told TBS at Laboni Point that he, along with his colleagues, arrived in Cox's Bazar on Friday morning.

He said the hotel rent is now a little higher than usual. "It is due to the sudden influx of visitors".

Security beefed up at key points 

Assistant Superintendent of Cox's Bazar Tourist Police Mahfuzul Alam told TBS that initiatives aimed at ensuring foolproof security and preventing crime were already in place.

In addition, plainclothes and patrol police have been deployed on beaches at key points.

"Tourist police are on duty at all tourist spots, including Teknaf and Inani. The entire beach is under surveillance through the watch-tower and control room," he added.  Superintendent of Cox's Bazar Police Muhammad Rahmat Ullah said on the occasion of Puja holidays, checkposts have been installed at the beach entrances. "Officers in uniform, as well as those in plainclothes, are carrying out their duties."

There have been no reports of any untoward incident, he added.

Cox's Bazar Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Salahuddin told TBS that several teams of the district executive magistrates are on duty to ensure a flawless stay for visitors.

"In case of any complaint, there are instructions to take action," he added.