Cox’s Bazar expects over 600,000 visitors during Durga Puja holidays

Dhaka: More than 600,000 tourists are expected to visit Cox’s Bazar during the five-day Durga Puja holidays from October 20 to 24, with advance bookings already reaching high levels at hotels, motels and resorts.

Tourism businesses estimate that nearly 70 percent of accommodation facilities have been booked ahead of the holiday rush. Preparations are also underway to expand transport services and strengthen arrangements for visitor safety and comfort.

Abul Kashem Sikder, president of the Cox’s Bazar Hotel-Motel Owners Association, said more than 100,000 tourists could arrive daily during the period. The district has over 500 hotels, motels and cottages catering to different budgets.

Nazim Uddin, president of the Cox’s Bazar Hotel Employees Union, said most rooms at star-rated hotels had already been reserved. Mermaid Beach Resort in Ramu has booked around 80 percent of its rooms, while Best Western Heritage Hotel has reported advance reservations of 80 to 90 percent.

Bangladesh Railway will operate special trains on the Cox’s Bazar route on October 20, 23 and 24 to accommodate additional passengers.

Cox’s Bazar Railway Station Manager Zainal Abedin confirmed the services, saying extra trains had been arranged to manage the expected surge in demand.

Additional District Magistrate Tasnim Jahan said the district administration would coordinate with law enforcement agencies and other organisations to ensure tourists’ safety and comfort.

The influx is expected to benefit hotels, restaurants, transport operators and other local businesses, provided the increased visitor numbers can be managed effectively.