Cox's Bazar Correspondent

The tourism sector of Bangladesh is struggling due to a lack of proper measures to capitalise on the unparalleled beauty of Cox’s Bazar, the longest natural unbroken sea beach in the world.

Tourism experts believe now is the ideal time to revamp the sector. However, it requires appropriate initiatives to harness the potential.

Despite its immense potential, Cox’s Bazar has failed to establish itself as a globally renowned tourist destination.

The government has been unable to utilize its 120-kilometer-long beach effectively.

Numerous plans and master plans have been proposed over the years, but none have seen the light of day. With proper steps and their implementation, the country’s economy could have been elevated to new heights.

The Cox's Bazar Development Authority (CoxDA) was formed in 2016 to oversee the development of the tourist region.

However, instead of improving the situation, it has led to further disarray. A lack of coordination has repeatedly disrupted development efforts and initiatives.

While talking with tourism experts and stakeholders in the past few days, they have revealed that following the change in government, visas for India have become nearly inaccessible.

As a result, numerous domestic tourists unable to visit India are now turning to destinations like the Maldives, Nepal and Singapore.

By implementing necessary measures to attract these tourists to Cox’s Bazar, the region could become one of Asia's premier tourist hubs.

For instance, establishing an exclusive tourist zone at Sonadia Island in Moheshkhali could draw not only affluent local tourists but also international travellers to Cox’s Bazar, they said.

Cox's Bazar was once famous as a healthy place and it has the potential to reclaim its reputation by promoting "medical tourism."

The establishment of world-class medical colleges and hospitals in the area could significantly boost both the health and tourism sectors of the country.

To meet the evolving demands of tourists, innovative approaches and modern facilities must be introduced to revitalise Cox’s Bazar’s importance.

Experts in the tourism sector emphasise the urgency of introducing a cable car system to connect the island of Moheshkhali.

Additionally, establishing an exclusive tourist zone, creating dedicated areas for international visitors and implementing safety measures such as sea-netting systems, watchtowers and secure parasailing facilities are critical for attracting and retaining tourists in the area.

Currently, Cox’s Bazar lacks adequate evening or nighttime entertainment options for visitors after a day spent exploring the beach and nearby attractions.

Addressing the need, the town requires the development of international-standard shopping malls and cineplexes to enhance the nightlife for both local and international tourists.

Hossain Islam Bahadur, general secretary of the Cox’s Bazar Sea Cruise Operator Owners’ Association, said, “Tourists don’t come here just for the beach and to sleep in hotels. Additional entertainment and amenities must be provided to increase tourism revenue.”

According to the Bangladesh Tourism Corporation’s 2023-24 report, tourism has emerged as the world’s largest industry due to its diverse nature, contributing significantly to national economies across the globe.

Globally, tourism accounts for about 10% of GDP and 11% of direct employment.

In Bangladesh, however, tourism contributes only 3.1% to GDP and 1.7% to employment, which is disappointing compared to other Asian countries.

The report indicates that Bangladesh is lagging behind in global travel and tourism rankings.

A World Economic Forum survey shows Bangladesh ranks 109th out of 119 countries on the Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index.

Among Asia-Pacific and South Asian nations, Bangladesh is positioned at the bottom.

To overcome these challenges, strategic planning and comprehensive initiatives are needed to transform Cox’s Bazar into a leading tourism destination in Asia.

To ensure a vibrant nightlife for tourists, Abul Kasem Sikder, president of Cox's Bazar Hotel, Motel and Guest House Owners' Association, said, “Tourism cannot be limited to overnight stays at the sea beach and hotels. High-quality shopping malls, cineplexes and amusement parks should be established. Additionally, modernisation is required in all arrangements to make the destination more attractive to foreign tourists.”

Abu Morshed Chowdhury, president of Cox’s Bazar Chamber of Commerce, emphasised the need to invest in and expand tourism facilities and services to attract more foreign tourists.

“Despite having the world's longest sea beach, the tourism sector’s contribution to our GDP remains minimal, which is insignificant compared to other South Asian countries. It's disappointing that Western tourists visiting Sri Lanka, the Maldives and Nepal do not come to Bangladesh. We need to create tourist-friendly plans that protect nature and the environment,” he added.

According to data prepared by the Special Branch (SB) of police, the number of foreign tourists in the country has steadily been declining.

Business owners in the tourism sector claim that foreign tourists are not coming to Cox's Bazar anymore.

A review of the foreign citizen arrival data of the SB shows that in 2017, 566,500 foreign nationals visited the country.

The numbers in the following two years were 552,730 and 621,131, respectively.

In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the number dropped to 181,518. In the following years, it further declined to 135,186. However, in 2022 and 2023, the numbers increased slightly to 529,268 and 655,451, respectively.

Currently, it’s not only foreign tourists who are avoiding Cox’s Bazar but also the domestic travelers are also flocking abroad in large numbers, with the United States being the top destination, followed by Thailand.

Tourism industry insiders point out several challenges facing the domestic tourism sector, including excessive rents at hotels and motels, inadequate security, additional travel expenses and the presence of middlemen, which have caused many tourists to turn away from visiting the area.

Additionally, the lack of extra facilities for foreign tourists, insufficient branding, and the absence of a planned tourism infrastructure are contributing to a decline in the number of visitors, they said.

Besides, the tourists have also said that travelling abroad is more affordable than domestic tourism in Bangladesh.

For example, a six-night, seven-day tour to Sri Lanka or the Maldives can be arranged for only Tk 75,000 on a fresh passport, with no additional documentation required.

The package includes return airfare, a four-star hotel, breakfast, pick-up and drop-off services, a city tour, all taxes and a tour guide.

Such packages are available at various travel agencies and are generally cheaper than comparable options in Cox’s Bazar.

To transform Cox’s Bazar into a modern and well-planned tourist city, a project worth Tk 1.74 billion has been allocated, according to Md Tanveer Hasan Rezaul, a suburban planner of Cox’s Bazar Development Authority.

He said a master plan will be formulated by July next year and expressed his optimism that the tourism industry in the area will rebound following the implementation of the project.