Tourists Flock to Cox’s Bazar on World Tourism Day

• Festive Mood at Tourism Fair, But Cattle, Horses, Beggars Cause Discomfort

Today, September 25, marks World Tourism Day. To mark the occasion, the Cox’s Bazar District Administration organized a tourism fair at Labani Point on the world’s longest sea beach. The fair features stalls from various government and private organizations linked to tourism. A day long cultural program was also arranged.

A large number of tourists were seen at Cox’s Bazar beach from the very start of World Tourism Day. Crowds gathered from the morning at several points along the beach, including Labani, Sugandha, and Kolatoli. Their presence created a festive atmosphere across the beach.

Tourism officials say the strong turnout at the start of the day sends a positive signal for the current tourism season. They expect the number of visitors to keep rising in the coming days, making the entire season a busy and successful one.

However, some uncomfortable scenes were also visible at various points along the crowded beach. Many tourists appeared annoyed and uneasy due to cattle and horses roaming freely, along with the persistent presence of street children and beggars.

Tourists complained that such unwanted conditions are disrupting the tourist friendly environment at one of the world’s major tourism destinations. They called for quick and effective action from the relevant authorities to protect the beauty and environment of the beach while ensuring comfort for visitors.

Many tourists said such scenes are simply unacceptable on the beach of Cox’s Bazar, one of the world’s leading tourist cities. They said the free movement of cattle and horses and the persistent presence of street children in front of both local and foreign tourists reflects weak beach management.

Tourists stressed that it is the responsibility of the relevant authorities to protect the beauty and environment of the beach while ensuring the safety and comfort of visitors. They called for increased regular monitoring at various points on the beach and effective steps to stop the free roaming of cattle and horses and the presence of street children.

Tourists and tourism officials have urged the relevant authorities to intervene urgently on this matter.

It has been learned that the matter has already been brought to the attention of Mr. Sasching Prue Jerry, the minister in charge of Cox’s Bazar district. He said he is treating the matter seriously and will take the necessary steps.

Cox’s Bazar has grown into a major tourism hub with more than 500 hotels, motels, restaurants, and other tourism related businesses. This sector drives hundreds of crores of taka in economic activity each year and has created jobs for thousands of people, playing an important role in the local economy.