Cox's Bazar has not yet developed into a global standard tourist hub

COX'S BAZAR, Sept 27: As long as 54 years have gone by since the country's independence but Cox's Bazar could not yet develop into a world-class tourist destination.

The major tourism centre offering golden sands, clear waters, and scenic beauty in southeastern Bangladesh, which is famous for the world's longest unbroken natural sandy beach, is still lagging far behind other countries in terms of tourist amenities.

As a result, the beach town is failing to attract an expected number of foreign tourists.

Cox's Bazar, the big tourist centre in name only, is completely devoid of tourist facilities.

Built with a unique combination of mountains, rivers and 120 kilometres of uninterrupted sand dunes, Cox's Bazar is called the main tourist centre of Bangladesh.

Thousands of people come here every day as pastimes to remove fatigues from mechanical life.

Visitors mostly complain that Cox's Bazar has no modern facilities for tourists except for bathing in the sea, walking on the beach or travelling to Himchhari-Inani.

For want of sufficient amenities, foreign tourists turn away from Cox's Bazar.

Tourism experts observe that Cox's Bazar does not have multi-dimensional entertainment opportunities for tourists.

There is no international-standard theme park, amusement zone or any diverse arrangements to attract tourists at night. As a result, Cox's Bazar remains limited to the unique beauty of the sea.

On Friday (September 26), several thousand visitors were seen strolling into Sugandha, Laboni, Kalatali, and Shaibal beach points.

Some were swimming in the sea, some were enjoying themselves by riding beach bikes, jet skis, or horseback.

They were busy joining photo sessions with their travel companions and families. But as the day ended, the limitations of entertainment became apparent.

Tourist Giasuddin, who came from Dhaka, said, "There is nothing here except the sea. When night falls, you have to stay in your hotel room. There needs to be modern nighttime entertainment here."

Monirul Islam, who came from Rajshahi, said, "There is nothing new here except the sea, mountains, crabs and the beauty of the boats. As a result, tourists have to return with the same experience every time."

There were no major events in Cox's Bazar on Saturday (September 27) marking the World Tourism Day. Unlike other years, the day has been limited to a rally and discussion meeting.

Meanwhile, the tourist season is starting on St. Martin's Island from November, which will continue until next February. Tourists will have the opportunity to travel there for a limited time.

Overall, it can be said that although the tourism potential of Cox's Bazar is immense, the tourism industry is not fully developed due to lack of planning, mismanagement and lack of modern facilities.

Mukim Khan, general secretary of the Kalatali Marine Drive Hotel Resort Owners Association, said that even after so many years of independence, a world-class tourist centre has not been developed for tourists in Cox's Bazar.

There is a remarkable shortage of tourism infrastructure here due to proper initiatives, inconsistencies and mismanagement.

Hossainul Islam Bahadur, general secretary of the Sea Cruise Owners Association, said, "Cox's Bazar is the main tourist centre of the country. However, there is no 24-hour entertainment system. The development of the entertainment system has stalled due to lack of planning."

He said that although multi-faceted projects have been undertaken with private investment, it is not possible to implement them due to administrative complications, delays in approval and mismanagement. As a result, the interest of the private sector is also decreasing.

Cox's Bazar Chamber of Commerce and Industries President Abu Morshed Chowdhury said, "Even after 54 years of independence, Cox's Bazar's tourist infrastructure is only confined to beaches, mountains and the sea. It will become an international-standard entertainment city if only multi-faceted facilities can be developed."

Cox's Bazar Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Abdul Mannan said, "Various initiatives and plans have been taken to make Cox's Bazar an international-standard tourism centre. The administration is always sincere about ensuring safety of tourists."