বুধবার, ১৪ অক্টোবর ২০২৬, ০৯:৪৮ অপরাহ্ন
COX’S BAZAR, Oct 14, 2026 (BSS) – Cox’s Bazar is gearing up to welcome more than 600,000 tourists during the five-day Durga Puja holidays from October 20 to 24, with advance bookings already surging at hotels, motels and resorts across the coastal district.
Tourism-related businesses are expecting a major influx of visitors during the consecutive holidays, as nearly 70 percent of accommodation facilities have already been booked in advance.
To cope with the anticipated rush, preparations are underway to expand transport services, improve hospitality and ensure the safety and comfort of tourists.
Abul Kashem Sikder, president of Cox’s Bazar Hotel-Motel Owners Association, said over 100,000 tourists are expected to arrive in the district daily during the holiday period.
“More than 600,000 tourists may visit Cox’s Bazar over the five days,” he said, adding that the district has more than 500 hotels, motels and cottages of different categories, many of which are already witnessing a strong response to advance bookings.
Nazim Uddin, president of Cox’s Bazar Hotel Employees Union, said most rooms at star-rated hotels have already been reserved, raising hopes for a successful week for tourism businesses.
At Mermaid Beach Resort, adjacent to Marine Drive in Ramu, around 80 percent of rooms have already been booked, said resort manager Rana Karmakar.
The resort will welcome guests on the occasion of Sharadiya Durga Puja, while its restaurant will remain open to all visitors, including those who wish to enjoy a meal or spend some time at the facility without staying overnight, he added.
Tarek Aziz, front office manager of the star-rated Best Western Heritage Hotel, said 80 to 90 percent of its rooms had been booked in advance.
To facilitate the movement of holidaymakers, Bangladesh Railway has taken steps to operate special trains on the Cox’s Bazar route on October 20, 23 and 24.
According to the proposed schedule, the Dhaka-bound ‘Dhaka Special’ will leave Chattogram at 2:30 pm on October 20 and arrive in Dhaka at 7:30 pm. On the same night, the ‘Tourist Special’ will depart Dhaka at 10:30 pm for Cox’s Bazar, reaching the destination at 6:50 am the following day.
On October 23, a special train from Cox’s Bazar will leave at 11:30 am and reach Dhaka at 8:00 pm. Another ‘Tourist Special’ will depart Dhaka at 10:30 pm that night and arrive in Cox’s Bazar at 6:50 am the next morning.
On October 24, the ‘Tourist Special’ from Cox’s Bazar will leave at 11:30 am for Dhaka, arriving at 8:00 pm. A ‘Chattogram Special’ will depart Dhaka at 10:30 pm the same day and is scheduled to reach Chattogram at 4:00 am the following morning.
Cox’s Bazar Railway Station Manager Zainal Abedin confirmed the special train services, saying additional trains had been arranged to manage the increased passenger pressure during the consecutive holidays.
Tasnim Jahan, additional district magistrate of Cox’s Bazar, said the district administration was taking necessary preparations ahead of the tourism season.
“Tourist arrivals will increase during the Durga Puja holidays. We will work in coordination with law enforcement agencies and all relevant organisations to ensure their safety and comfort,” she said.
The anticipated influx is expected to provide a significant boost to the local tourism economy, benefiting hotels, restaurants, transport operators, beachside businesses and other service providers.
However, the success of the holiday season will also depend on how effectively the authorities and tourism businesses manage the increased pressure while maintaining a safe, clean and visitor-friendly environment.
