Cox’s Bazar is witnessing a flood of tourists ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr, with hotels and resorts fully booked and preparations underway to welcome the festive crowds.
Tourism operators said the extended Eid holiday, spanning seven days and potentially 11 days for some private-sector workers, has prompted a large number of domestic travellers to choose Cox’s Bazar for their break. They estimate between five and ten lakh people could visit the district during the period.
Bookings have already filled rooms in star-rated hotels, motels and resorts for the first seven days of Eid, while medium-standard hotels report limited availability. Many are following a “no vacancy” policy to maximise profits. Business sources said over 500 hotels, motels, guesthouses and resorts in the district have been almost fully booked for 22, 23 and 24 March.
Tourism stakeholders noted that the country’s law and order situation has stabilised since the new government took office, making it a safe period for travel.
Preparations are underway across the sector to provide enhanced services, including painting, repairs and lighting arrangements to ensure visitors are impressed with their stay.
Hilview Hotel managing partner Rahmat Ullah said the hotel has advance bookings for 22, 23 and 24 March and renovation work is ongoing.
Abu Taleb, assistant general manager of star-rated Cox Two Hotel, said over 200 rooms were being refurbished, with nearly 50 percent already booked for the first three days of Eid.
At Seaman Resort, assistant financial controller Asaduzzaman Noor said renovation work is also ongoing, and the hotel is fully booked for five to six days following Eid. He expects a substantial influx of tourists this year.
Former president of the Tour Operator Association of Cox’s Bazar (TOUAK), Rezaul Karim, said the district’s accommodation sector can host around 120,000 people daily. He expects the extended holiday to bring over one lakh visitors each day. Abul Kashem Sikdar, president of Cox’s Bazar Hotel and Guesthouse Owners Association, echoed this optimism.
Cox’s Bazar Deputy Commissioner Md Abdul Mannan said the administration is working to ensure safe and comfortable travel, holding multiple meetings with hotel owners and tourism stakeholders. He added that measures are being taken to prevent overcharging of tourists.
Superintendent of Police ANM Sajedur Rahman said additional police will be deployed at tourist spots and throughout the town to safeguard visitors and prevent harassment.
Tourism experts said a surge of visitors usually follows short holidays in Cox’s Bazar, and this Eid, the extended seven-day break, potentially 11 days for private-sector workers, is expected to draw millions to the beaches and tourist sites across the district.
