Eid holidays boost tourism as Cox’s Bazar, Kuakata see 60–70% advance bookings

The continuous holiday of Eid-ul-Fitr is bringing life back to the country's tourism sector. Relevant businesses and authorities have already made preparations to welcome tourists in Cox's Bazar, home to the world's longest sea beach, as well as in Kuakata and Bandarban. According to stakeholders, around 60–70% of hotel and motel rooms have already been booked in advance.

Tourism operators said the extended Eid break of seven to nine days is expected to drive strong domestic travel demand. A relatively stable national situation following the elections has also boosted traveller confidence, reflected in the rising booking trends.

Cox's Bazar hotels see 60–70% advance bookings

The Eid-ul-Fitr holidays have begun, with the seven-day break starting from Tuesday (17 March), and the world's longest sea beach in Cox's Bazar is set to become crowded with tourists once again.

According to tourism business insiders, Cox's Bazar remained nearly devoid of tourists throughout the month of Ramadan. However, a large number of travellers from across the country are expected to visit during the Eid holidays. As part of this trend, 60–70% of rooms in more than 500 residential hotels in the district have already been booked in advance. They expect the tourist rush to continue from 19 March to 24 March.

Authorities and businesses have taken prior preparations to visitors, including arrangements for special programmes. Additional security measures have also been put in place by the administration and police.

Hotel and resort owners said advance bookings have already begun and are increasing day by day. From high-end establishments to general residential hotels, rooms are being booked across all categories.

Mukim Khan, general secretary of the Kolatoli Marine Drive Hotel-Resort Owners Association, said that around 60–70% of rooms have already been booked in various hotels ahead of the week-long Eid holidays. He expressed hope that at least 100,000 tourists will stay in Cox's Bazar daily during the post-Eid period, which would boost business in the tourism sector and generate strong revenue if the trend continues.

He added that many hotels are offering special Eid packages and discounts to attract visitors.

Dula, front desk manager of Hotel Cox Today, said bookings have been strong ahead of Eid. He expects tourists to start arriving from 19 March, with peak crowds continuing from 23 to 24 March.

Shahadat Hossain, front desk manager of Ramada Hotel, said special arrangements have been made to ensure full entertainment for tourists during Eid. A DJ programme featuring a popular local DJ is scheduled for the second day of Eid (22 March), along with performances by saxophonists.

He added that special emphasis has also been placed on food, with a gala buffet dinner planned featuring a variety of local and international dishes, allowing families to celebrate Eid comfortably.

Meanwhile, district administration and the tourist police have taken extensive measures to ensure safety and service quality for visitors.

Parvez Ahmed, inspector of the Tourist Police Cox's Bazar Zone, said a three-tier security system has been implemented. Alongside uniformed personnel, plainclothes surveillance and intelligence teams are operating in shifts round the clock.

He added that more than 100,000 tourists are expected during Eid, and security has been strengthened to ensure no visitor faces any untoward incidents.

Kuakata expects heavy tourist turnout

Kuakata Sea Beach, the country's only beach where both sunrise and sunset can be clearly viewed, attracts visitors daily to witness the changing colours of the sun.

MA Motaleb Sharif, president of the Kuakata Hotel-Motel Owners Association, said that although tourist numbers were low before the elections and during Ramadan, the current stable situation is expected to increase tourist flow during Eid.

"Now there is an elected government and law and order is normal. We expect better tourist turnout than any previous time," he said.

He added that Kuakata may witness an overwhelming crowd during the seven to eight-day holidays, with 50–60% of rooms in quality hotels already booked in advance. However, hotels typically become fully occupied suddenly during Eid.

According to him, Kuakata has around 200 to 250 hotels and motels, with the capacity to accommodate 40,000 to 50,000 tourists daily.

Interest grows in Bandarban

Mohammad Sirajul Islam, president of the Bandarban Residential Hotel and Resort Owners Association, said they are receiving a good response ahead of Eid, with around 50% advance bookings already completed.

"There are still a few days left, and we expect bookings to increase further," he said.

He added that Bandarban has around 80 hotels and resorts with a combined capacity of accommodating about 5,000 tourists at a time.

Regarding tourist numbers, he said Bandarban usually experiences heavy tourist pressure during Eid holidays and expects a similar trend this year.

Popular destinations include Meghla, Nilachal, Nilgiri, Swarna Mandir, Chimbuk, Boga Lake, Ruma and Thanchi, where tourist crowds are expected to be high.

On security, he said there are currently no restrictions, and tourists can travel freely.

Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh President Mohammed Rafiuzzaman said there is a noticeable response in domestic tourism this year, while interest in travelling abroad has declined.

He said foreign tourist arrivals have also dropped due to uncertainty in maintaining flight schedules amid tensions in the Middle East, while Bangladeshis are travelling abroad less frequently.

As a result, domestic tourism is driving the sector, with destinations like Cox's Bazar, Kuakata, Sylhet and other popular spots expected to see increased visitor numbers.

"During Eid holidays, around 50 lakh tourists usually travel to different destinations across the country. We expect domestic tourism to remain active this year as well," he added.

To ensure tourist safety, a three-tier security system has been implemented in Cox's Bazar and other tourist areas. Tourist police said uniformed members, along with plainclothes and intelligence teams, will operate 24 hours a day.

Business owners said that while many tourists book in advance, a large number also secure accommodation upon arrival. As a result, most hotels typically remain fully occupied during the Eid holidays.

Overall, stakeholders expect strong momentum and economic activity in the tourism sector this Eid, driven by the long holiday, a stable environment, and rising advance bookings.