Safe, Tourist-Friendly Environment Must Be Ensured in Cox’s Bazar
Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh’s leading tourist destination, attracted a large number of visitors on World Tourism Day. The beach and the wider tourist city were decorated for the occasion, while a tourism fair was held at Laboni Point with stalls from public and private organizations and cultural programmes. The large turnout suggests strong demand for Cox’s Bazar during the upcoming tourism season. However, visitors have also raised concerns about the tourism environment. Cows and horses are seen at different points of the beach, while scavengers, beggars and street sellers often create discomfort. Some visitors, particularly women, also feel concerned about their safety.
Tourist destinations should provide visitors with a clean, safe and comfortable environment. However, Cox’s Bazar continues to face problems such as theft, robbery, mugging and other crimes. Stronger action by the local administration and law enforcement agencies is needed to ensure visitor safety. A proper tourism environment also requires cleanliness, safe food, quality accommodation and smooth transport. Similar challenges exist in other major destinations, including Kuakata, the Sundarbans, Chattogram and the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
Bangladesh has significant tourism potential because of its natural diversity, historical and archaeological sites, and cultural heritage. Cox’s Bazar is home to one of the world’s longest natural sea beaches, while the Sundarbans and Kuakata offer major attractions. Cox’s Bazar is also becoming more accessible through air, rail and road links. An international airport and modern railway station have been developed, while more than 500 hotels, motels and restaurants serve tourists.
As Chattogram and Cox’s Bazar develop as an economic hub, the importance of tourism is likely to grow. Authorities must therefore ensure visitor safety, cleanliness and comfort and remove the problems that discourage tourists from enjoying the destination.
