The tourism capital, Cox’s Bazar, is making extensive preparations to welcome a massive influx of visitors during the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr holidays.
Following the month of Ramadan, industry stakeholders anticipate that the town’s beaches and tourist spots will be buzzing with activity during the extended break.
Local businessmen estimate that between 5 to 10 lakh (500,000 to 1,000,000) people may visit the coastal district, as the holiday period could stretch up to 11 days. Advance bookings have already surged, with star-rated hotels, motels, and resorts reporting no vacancies for seven consecutive days starting from Eid day.
While some rooms remain in mid-range hotels, many owners are reportedly adopting a ‘no room’ policy in hopes of securing higher profits later. According to industry insiders, nearly all of the 500 residential hotels, motels, guesthouses, and resorts are fully booked for the first three days of the holiday – 22, 23, and 24 March.
Business owners attribute this surge to the stable law and order situation following the assumption of power by the political government, which has encouraged people to travel. To ensure a high standard of service, various tourism-related establishments are undergoing renovations, including painting, repairs, and decorative lighting.
Rahmat Ullah, Managing Partner of the mid-range Hotel Hillview, confirmed that their rooms are booked for March 22–24 and that maintenance work is currently underway.
Abu Taleb, assistant general manager (AGM) of the star-rated Hotel Cox Today, said their 200-plus rooms are being refurbished. “About 50 per cent of our rooms have been booked for the first three days of Eid,” he noted.
Similarly, Asaduzzaman Noor, assistant financial controller at Sayeman Resort, mentioned that renovation work is being fast-tracked and that the hotel is fully booked for five to six days following the Eid break.
Rezaul Karim, former President of the Tour Operators Association of Cox’s Bazar (TOAC), highlighted that the town’s accommodation sector has the capacity to house 120,000 people daily. He expects daily arrivals to exceed 100,000 throughout the holiday period.
This optimism was echoed by Abul Kashem Shikder, president of the Cox’s Bazar Hotel Guest House Owners’ Association.
The local administration is also taking proactive measures. Deputy Commissioner Md Abdul Mannan said several meetings have been held with hotel owners and stakeholders to ensure tourist comfort and safety.
“We are monitoring the situation to prevent overcharging of rents,” he added.
Superintendent of Police ANM Sazedur Rahman assured that additional police personnel will be deployed across the city and at various tourist spots to prevent harassment and ensure a secure environment.
With a seven-day official holiday that could extend to 11 days for private sector employees who take additional leave, the coastal town is braced for a record-breaking turnout.
