Overcoming initial fears following a devastating fire at ‘Tuptup Resort’ in Patuartek, Cox’s Bazar has witnessed a massive influx of tourists during the combined holidays for Sharadiya Durga Puja and educational institution vacations.
Major beach points, including Laboni, Sugandha, and Kalatoli, along with nearby tourist spots, are bustling with visitors. Hotel operators report that despite anxieties that the Patuartek fire incident would dampen tourism, actual arrivals have defied expectations. However, fire safety preparedness and structural vulnerabilities across Marine Drive’s eco-resorts remain significant concerns.
Industry leaders project that at least 10 lakh (1 million) tourists will visit Cox’s Bazar during the 10-day holiday period running through October 25. Daily arrivals are expected to range between 1,00,000 and 1,50,000 through October 23.
Mukim Khan, General Secretary of the Cox’s Bazar Marine Drive Hotel-Resort Owners Association, noted that while city hotels and guest houses are operating at near-full capacity through October 23, advance bookings along Marine Drive resorts have seen a slight decline for dates after October 23.
Following the Tuptup Resort fire, local administration and the Fire Service and Civil Defence have intensified inspections across eco-resorts built with bamboo, wooden poles, and flammable materials, enforcing mandatory fire suppression installations.
Abul Kashem Sikdar, President of the Cox’s Bazar Hotel-Guest House Owners Association, stated that the idol immersion festival at Laboni Point on October 21 drew over 1,00,000 visitors daily over a three-day window. Cox’s Bazar’s 500+ hotels and resorts possess a combined nightly capacity of 1,50,000 guests.
Executive Magistrate Mohammad Mahmudur Rahman Sayem from the Cox’s Bazar District Administration Tourism Cell confirmed that executive mobile courts are actively monitoring hotels and transport hubs to prevent extortion, overcharging, or harassment.
