Developing tourism at Cox\\\'s Bazar

Home to the world's longest sea beach, Cox's Bazar, has miserably failed to be a darling or a jewel among the most beautiful and highly appealing sea resorts of the world. One of its natural drawbacks is the quality of water. Beaches considered tourist paradises the world over boast clear blue water. But in Cox's Bazar the small areas of the long stretch of sea front used for bathing or water sports or simply idling away time is much too crowded and, worse, ill maintained. The approach area to the water is more like a sand dune than a beach offering easy access to the sea. Privacy and peace as available in exclusive zones on the beach side at all famous spots are unheard-of ingredients of tourism here. So there is no use lamenting that foreign tourists avoid visiting Cox's Bazar. Domestic tourism has taken off simply because the experience is new to most of the people visiting the spot.

If facilities for beach tourism are in a primitive state, it can however still be used to the industry's advantage. Only a small fraction of the long beach is being used for the purpose. Small exclusive zones can be created in that part of the beach where water quality is good. On that count the safety issue must figure at the top of the order. The death of a number of bathers in the sea has created a very negative impression. In areas where the rush is heavy, arrangement of rescue teams at the ready is a must. Fulltime life guards in adequate number, who will keep constant watch over the entire stretch of the beach used, can be an answer to the problem. Only a few water sports have been introduced but here is a potential danger area and without a well-trained and equipped contingent of lifeguards accidents cannot be averted. Home tourists are burgeoning because more people are acquiring wealth beyond their need and they want to spend money on entertainment and recreation. Unfortunately such facilities for healthy recreation compel them to crowd at the few spots available.

Quite reasonably, rational use of the long beach can avoid spoiling the natural gift. The high-rise hotels on the beach fronts appear as an eyesore. Resorts on the beach fronts everywhere are low-keyed from outside but full of amenities within. It is because environmental consideration is a top agenda now. There is an emphasis on green tourism everywhere. Cox's Bazar should follow suit. It has to develop tourism without spoiling its natural bounties. The country needs to develop tourism but it must not be at the expense of its environment. Dispersal of the crowd in several areas of the long beach can help the cause. Following the same rule, some exclusive zones can be built where crowd and noise will be the minimum. Only then foreigners will feel tempted to holidaying at those spots. Developing such facilities under the Parjatan Corporation or under public-private partnership is quite feasible.