Cox’s Bazar , Oct 11 (V7N): Cox's Bazar, renowned for being the world’s longest sea beach, has seen a massive surge in tourists, driven by the extended holiday from Durga Puja and the weekend. This extended break has resulted in full bookings for hotels across Cox's Bazar for Friday and Saturday.

With travel to the Chittagong Hill Tracts being discouraged, the coastal city has become the prime destination for holidaymakers. Special security measures have been taken to ensure the safety of visitors.

The four-day break, combining the Durga Puja holiday and the weekend, has drawn families to Cox’s Bazar. Popular tourist spots like Himchhari, Inani, Daryanagar, and Patuar Tek are now bustling with visitors.

Tourists from various parts of Bangladesh, including Dhaka’s Mohammadpur and Dinajpur, expressed their delight at being able to enjoy the sea and relax during this time. Many spoke about how the cool sea water provided relief from the heat and helped them unwind.

Former president of the Tour Operators Association, S M Kibria, noted that many tourists have opted for Cox's Bazar due to the travel discouragement to the Chittagong Hill Tracts. He added that the number of bookings would have been higher if St. Martin's Island were accessible.

Moukhem Khan, president of the Cox’s Bazar Kalatali Marine Drive Road Hotel Motel Owners' Association, confirmed that all hotels were fully booked over the weekend. Although Thursday and Sunday had slightly fewer reservations, the overall business outlook remains positive.

The tourism sector has seen a resurgence, with over 450 hotels, motels, and guest houses, including 50 star-rated hotels, being fully booked. Abdul Qayum Chowdhury, Vice President of the Hotel Owners' Association, emphasized the spike in bookings.

The restaurant industry in Cox's Bazar has also benefitted, with 350 restaurants operating at full capacity. Many restaurants that were closed due to slow business have reopened, hoping for better times ahead.

Abul Kashem Sikdar, president of the Cox’s Bazar Hotel Motel Guest House Owners' Association, expressed optimism, stating that this holiday season has boosted bookings, providing a chance for the sector to recover from previous losses.

Abdul Kader Mishu, director of Ocean Paradise Limited, mentioned that despite challenges since 2012, they achieved 95% bookings during the holiday period, with many rooms booked until October 19. The hotel has extended its popular Hilsa festival until October 20 due to high demand.

Enhanced security measures have been put in place, with the tourist police and army ensuring the safety of visitors through IT-based monitoring and continuous patrolling. Additionally, a mobile court has been set up to prevent harassment of tourists.

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