Domestic tourism booms as seven-day Eid holiday begins, hotels report 50-70% advance bookings

The seven-day Eid-ul-Fitr holiday has begun, drawing large crowds to Cox's Bazar, home to the world's longest natural sea beach. 

The town saw few visitors during Ramadan, but the Eid break is expected to reverse the trend, with over 500 hotels, motels, and resorts already reporting 60-70% of rooms booked in advance.

Peak tourist flow is expected between 19 and 24 March.

Businesses and authorities have stepped up preparations, including special programmes, entertainment events, and reinforced security.

Hotel owners report steady increases in bookings across luxury and budget accommodations. 

Mukim Khan, general secretary of the Kolatoli Marine Drive Hotel-Resort Owners' Association, said bookings reflect strong demand, with daily tourist numbers expected to exceed 100,000, potentially boosting tourism revenue.

Many hotels are also offering special Eid packages and discounts.

Dula, front desk manager of Hotel Cox Today, said arrivals are expected to begin tomorrow (19 March), with the main rush continuing through 23-24 March. 

Shahadat Hossain of Ramada Cox's Bazar said the hotel has arranged a DJ programme with a popular local artist on 22 March, live saxophone performances, and a gala buffet featuring local and international cuisine to enhance visitors' holiday experience.

Meanwhile, the district administration and Tourist Police Bangladesh have intensified safety measures.

Parvez Ahmed, inspector of the Tourist Police Cox's Bazar Zone, said a three-tier security system combines uniformed officers, plainclothes surveillance, and intelligence teams operating in shifts around the clock. 

He noted that over 100,000 tourists are expected and assured that all measures are in place to prevent incidents, keeping the Tourist Police fully alert and prepared.

Advance bookings soar as tourists flock to coastal and hill resorts

Elsewhere, tourist hotspots across the country are seeing similar excitement.

At Kuakata, the only beach in the country where both sunrise and sunset are visible, visitors flock daily to witness the sun's changing hues. 

MA Motaleb Sharif, president of the Kuakata Hotel-Motel Owners Association, said tourist numbers are expected to surge this Eid following the election and stable law-and-order conditions. 

"During the seven to eight-day holiday, the beach could see packed crowds. High-quality hotels have already recorded 50–60% bookings, though hotels often fill up quickly during Eid," he noted.

Kuakata has around 200–250 hotels and motels, accommodating 40,000–50,000 visitors daily.

In Bandarban, hotels and resorts are reporting strong demand as well.

Mohammad Sirajul Islam, president of the Bandarban Residential Hotel and Resort Owners Association, said nearly 50% of rooms are booked in advance, with total capacity across 80 establishments for roughly 5,000 visitors. 

Popular attractions such as Meghla, Nilachal, Nilgiri, Swarnamandir, Chimbuk, Boga Lake, Ruma, and Thanchi are expected to draw heavy crowds.

Security is relaxed, allowing tourists to explore freely.

Mohammed Rafiuzzaman, president of the Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh, said domestic tourism is seeing a revival while foreign arrivals remain low due to uncertainty from Middle East conflicts and flight disruptions. 

"During Eid, about five million tourists usually travel across the country. This year, internal tourism is expected to dominate, boosting visits to Cox's Bazar, Kuakata, Sylhet, and other popular destinations," he said.

Authorities have implemented a three-tier security system in Cox's Bazar and other hotspots, with uniformed personnel, plainclothes teams, and intelligence officers working around the clock.

Businesses note that while many tourists book in advance, a large number arrive directly to secure hotel rooms, often filling accommodations completely during Eid.

Overall, the long holiday, stable conditions, and strong advance bookings are expected to bring significant enthusiasm and economic activity back to Bangladesh's tourism sector this Eid.