Cox’s Bazar experienced a record-breaking rush of visitors during the Durga Puja holiday, filling beaches, roads and hotels and creating a busy, festival-like mood that brought money to local shops while testing services. Families, friends and groups came to enjoy the long sandy shore, the sea breeze and the large religious events, and many hotels and motels reported being fully booked so late travelers found it hard to find rooms. The main beach areas and nearby sights were crowded, with visitors moving along Marine Drive and filling points such as Laboni, Sugandha and Kolatoli, while popular side attractions also saw extra foot traffic. Local businesses welcomed the steady flow of customers, and restaurants, stalls and ride operators reported much higher sales than usual. At the same time, the surge put pressure on transport and basic services, creating long lines at ticket counters, traffic jams on key routes and a higher demand for water and public toilets. To keep people safe, local police and tourist police stepped up patrols and set up information points to help visitors, while lifeguards and rescue teams remained alert as sea conditions grew rough at times. Some travelers braved light rain and stronger waves to enjoy the beach, and authorities reminded people to follow safety advice before going into the water. The sharp rise in visitors also meant that prices for rooms, food and travel climbed in some places, and some visitors reported difficulty finding affordable options without advance booking. On the positive side, the boom helped the town earn more from tourism and gave small businesses a welcome income boost after slower seasons. Hotel owners and market vendors said the busy days helped them pay wages and restock supplies, and many local guides and drivers found steady work ferrying visitors to nearby hills, waterfalls and cultural sites. Organizers and officials noted that clear signs, temporary service points and extra waste bins helped keep key spots tidy, and they asked tourists to respect local rules and keep the beaches clean. Visitors said they enjoyed the festive mood and the chance to spend time by the sea with family, and business owners said steady crowds underlined the town’s appeal for holidays and cultural events. Rail and bus operators added extra services and some routes ran special tourist trains to handle the demand, which helped many people travel more easily. Local volunteers and community groups also offered help at busy points, giving directions, distributing water and helping keep small children safe in the crowds, and more smiles.
