Sowmetrow Sumon, Patuakhali Correspondent (Payra Port)

The picturesque beach town of Kuakata is fully prepared to welcome an expected surge of tourists during the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha holidays. With a long 10-day break ahead, tourism businesses anticipate the arrival of hundreds of thousands of holidaymakers.

Hotel and motel owners have made all necessary preparations to ensure a comfortable stay for visitors. Already, around 80% of rooms in top-tier hotels have been booked in advance, with the rest expected to be filled soon after Eid, according to hospitality operators.

Local authorities, including the upazila and municipal administrations, have taken comprehensive steps to ensure the safety and convenience of tourists visiting Kuakata’s scenic coastline.

Md. Zahir Raihan, a tourist from Barishal who works in Dhaka, said:
"After performing Qurbani at my village home, I came here with my family. The beach is already seeing a fair number of tourists today, and I expect a massive crowd during the holidays. I urge the government to pay more attention to developing Kuakata as a premier tourist destination."

Bellal, a van driver, expressed optimism about business:
"This long Eid vacation is going to bring in a lot of tourists. Even today, the crowd is promising — mostly locals, though."

Abdus Sattar, a beach bench vendor, said:
"We’re seeing a good number of tourists today. The beach will be packed tomorrow. We serve visitors alongside running our businesses."

Md. Rahim Khan, owner of Khan Palace Hotel, shared:
"About 80% of our rooms are already booked. We expect full occupancy within the next two days. We are fully prepared to welcome our guests."

Mohammad Motaleb Sharif, President of the Hotel-Motel Owners Association, added:
"Tourist arrivals will be high during this 10-day Eid break. All hotels — big and small — are ready. We are committed to serving visitors round-the-clock."

Assistant Superintendent of Police Md. Habibur Rahman from the Kuakata Tourist Police Region said:
"Our officers are deployed across all major tourist points in Kuakata. Mobile teams are patrolling regularly. We’ve set up police boxes with alert signage to guide and protect visitors. The tourist police are working 24/7 to ensure safety."

Md. Robiul Islam, UNO of Kalapara, stated:
"Both the tourism sector and the upazila administration are ready to host domestic and foreign tourists. We’ve strengthened the presence of the local police, Mohipur Police Station, and Tourist Police to ensure the safety and well-being of all visitors."