Print: 29 Oct 2025
Tourist spots across the country swarm with holidaymakers enjoying the vacation during Sharadiya Durga Puja. On Thursday, thousands of tourists and devotees gather at Cox’s Bazar sea beach for the immersion ceremony and to enjoy the holiday. Photo: Daily Sun
Hundreds of thousands journeyed to the country’s favourite tourist spots, as the four-day holiday -- blended with the Durga Puja break and weekends -- offered a chance to lose themselves in nature’s splendour, giving a vibrant boost to the tourism sector.
Our correspondents report that popular destinations such as Cox’s Bazar, Kuakata, the Sundarbans, and Sylhet are witnessing a surge of tourists following the start of the holidays.
Cox’s Bazar has long been a magnet for holidaymakers across the country. Since Wednesday, the first day of the holiday, at least 275,000 visitors have flocked to the world’s longest unbroken sea beach, exceeding the expectations of hoteliers and restaurateurs alike.
Tourists thronged popular spots along the beach, including Sugandha, Kolatoli, Laboni, and Himchori.
With more than 550 hotels, motels, guest houses, and cottages, the beach city can host approximately 128,000 visitors at a time. However, the sudden surge of holidaymakers on Wednesday and Thursday overwhelmed the city, leaving many families struggling to find accommodation.
Abul Kashem Sikder, president of the Cox’s Bazar Hotel-Motel and Guest House Owners’ Association, stated that around 90% of rooms were booked through Saturday, leaving only a small fraction available for tourists arriving on Thursday.
The recent unrest that led to the ban on tourism in the three hill districts of Bandarban, Rangamati, and Khagrachari has intensified the pressure on Cox's Bazar. In addition, the reopening of Saint Martin’s Island for tourists has further drawn holidaymakers to the beach city," he told the Daily Sun.
He added that some tourists either returned home or sought accommodation in Teknaf, Chakaria, Moheshkhali, or Ramu.
Hafsa Zabeen, a holidaymaker from Nikunja in the capital, claimed that some hoteliers and restaurant owners were exploiting the situation by overcharging visitors.
Cox’s Bazar Restaurant Owners Association General Secretary, Rashedul Islam Dalim, dismissed these allegations, stating that the association closely monitors restaurant operations and promptly addresses travelers’ complaints.
On the other hand, the Sundarbans drew a large influx of tourists over the extended holidays.
Thousands of visitors thronged the world’s largest mangrove forest, eager to witness its rich biodiversity, from the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger to rare species like the Irrawaddy and Ganges dolphins.
Md Tajul Islam, a visitor from Chattogram, expressed his delight at finally fulfilling his long-cherished dream of visiting the renowned forest, taking full advantage of the Puja holidays and weekend break.
"I loved experiencing the abundant wildlife here. I even fed leaves to the deer with my own hands," he told the Daily Sun.
He added that his visit was hassle-free, except for the steep charges imposed by trawlers navigating the Sundarbans’ canals.
Besides, Kuakata, famed as the only beach in the world where visitors can witness both sunrise and sunset, saw most of its hotels and motels fully booked at least a week before the holiday.
Popular spots like Jhauban, the Rakhain community’s Buddhist temples, and the beach were abuzz with thousands of visitors.
Those who directly or indirectly benefit from the surge of tourists have witnessed a notable increase in their earnings.
Nahid Hossain, a tour guide and motorcycle driver at the beach, said, “We usually see a rush of tourists only during peak season and Eid, but this holiday has brought an unprecedented surge. We are delighted.”
In the Sylhet division, popular tourist spots such as Madhabpur Lake, Malnichara Tea Garden, Tanguar Haor, Lawachara National Park, Hum Hum Waterfall, Sada Pathor, Lala Khal, Madhabkunda Waterfall, Jaflong, Garo Tila, and Khashiapunji saw a significant surge in visitors during the holiday.
Apart from these, the area’s resorts and cottages have welcomed a substantial influx of tourists this holiday.
Sagor Roy, assistant manager at Balishira Resort in Sreemangal, said, “The response from tourists has been overwhelmingly positive, and we are striving to make their vacation truly memorable through our services.”
The dam surrounding Nikli Haor in Kishoreganj, which has become a favourite getaway for residents of Dhaka and nearby districts, drew many visitors this holiday with its serene ambience and picturesque scenery.
____________________________________________
The reporter can be reached at [email protected]
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Tourist spots bustle with holidaymakers
Those who directly or indirectly benefit from the surge of tourists have witnessed a notable increase in their earnings
Tourist spots across the country swarm with holidaymakers enjoying the vacation during Sharadiya Durga Puja. On Thursday, thousands of tourists and devotees gather at Cox’s Bazar sea beach for the immersion ceremony and to enjoy the holiday. Photo: Daily Sun
Hundreds of thousands journeyed to the country’s favourite tourist spots, as the four-day holiday -- blended with the Durga Puja break and weekends -- offered a chance to lose themselves in nature’s splendour, giving a vibrant boost to the tourism sector.
Our correspondents report that popular destinations such as Cox’s Bazar, Kuakata, the Sundarbans, and Sylhet are witnessing a surge of tourists following the start of the holidays.
Cox’s Bazar has long been a magnet for holidaymakers across the country. Since Wednesday, the first day of the holiday, at least 275,000 visitors have flocked to the world’s longest unbroken sea beach, exceeding the expectations of hoteliers and restaurateurs alike.
Tourists thronged popular spots along the beach, including Sugandha, Kolatoli, Laboni, and Himchori.
With more than 550 hotels, motels, guest houses, and cottages, the beach city can host approximately 128,000 visitors at a time. However, the sudden surge of holidaymakers on Wednesday and Thursday overwhelmed the city, leaving many families struggling to find accommodation.
Abul Kashem Sikder, president of the Cox’s Bazar Hotel-Motel and Guest House Owners’ Association, stated that around 90% of rooms were booked through Saturday, leaving only a small fraction available for tourists arriving on Thursday.
The recent unrest that led to the ban on tourism in the three hill districts of Bandarban, Rangamati, and Khagrachari has intensified the pressure on Cox's Bazar. In addition, the reopening of Saint Martin’s Island for tourists has further drawn holidaymakers to the beach city," he told the Daily Sun.
He added that some tourists either returned home or sought accommodation in Teknaf, Chakaria, Moheshkhali, or Ramu.
Hafsa Zabeen, a holidaymaker from Nikunja in the capital, claimed that some hoteliers and restaurant owners were exploiting the situation by overcharging visitors.
Cox’s Bazar Restaurant Owners Association General Secretary, Rashedul Islam Dalim, dismissed these allegations, stating that the association closely monitors restaurant operations and promptly addresses travelers’ complaints.
On the other hand, the Sundarbans drew a large influx of tourists over the extended holidays.
Thousands of visitors thronged the world’s largest mangrove forest, eager to witness its rich biodiversity, from the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger to rare species like the Irrawaddy and Ganges dolphins.
Md Tajul Islam, a visitor from Chattogram, expressed his delight at finally fulfilling his long-cherished dream of visiting the renowned forest, taking full advantage of the Puja holidays and weekend break.
"I loved experiencing the abundant wildlife here. I even fed leaves to the deer with my own hands," he told the Daily Sun.
He added that his visit was hassle-free, except for the steep charges imposed by trawlers navigating the Sundarbans’ canals.
Besides, Kuakata, famed as the only beach in the world where visitors can witness both sunrise and sunset, saw most of its hotels and motels fully booked at least a week before the holiday.
Popular spots like Jhauban, the Rakhain community’s Buddhist temples, and the beach were abuzz with thousands of visitors.
Those who directly or indirectly benefit from the surge of tourists have witnessed a notable increase in their earnings.
Nahid Hossain, a tour guide and motorcycle driver at the beach, said, “We usually see a rush of tourists only during peak season and Eid, but this holiday has brought an unprecedented surge. We are delighted.”
In the Sylhet division, popular tourist spots such as Madhabpur Lake, Malnichara Tea Garden, Tanguar Haor, Lawachara National Park, Hum Hum Waterfall, Sada Pathor, Lala Khal, Madhabkunda Waterfall, Jaflong, Garo Tila, and Khashiapunji saw a significant surge in visitors during the holiday.
Apart from these, the area’s resorts and cottages have welcomed a substantial influx of tourists this holiday.
Sagor Roy, assistant manager at Balishira Resort in Sreemangal, said, “The response from tourists has been overwhelmingly positive, and we are striving to make their vacation truly memorable through our services.”
The dam surrounding Nikli Haor in Kishoreganj, which has become a favourite getaway for residents of Dhaka and nearby districts, drew many visitors this holiday with its serene ambience and picturesque scenery.
____________________________________________
The reporter can be reached at [email protected]