Tourism bustles during Durga Puja holidays, boosts local economy

A festive atmosphere has been created around the vast sea beaches of Cox's Bazar and Kuakata, the cloud-covered hills of Khagrachhari and Sajek, and the blue waters of Kaptai Lake in Rangamati.

Holidaymakers are rushing in from different parts of the country to spend leisure time with their families and friends. With this additional presence of tourists, the attractions have come alive, while hotels, motels, resorts, restaurants, transport and small businesses in tourism-dependent areas have also gained momentum.

Besides enjoying the diverse beauty of nature, sea bathing, boat trips, roaming along hilly paths and tasting local food have become major attractions for tourists during this holiday period.

At some places, visitors are frolicking with the waves on the beach, at others they are watching clouds drift from the bends of the hills, and elsewhere they are touring the Kaptai Lake in boats.

Altogether, the Durga Puja holiday has brought fresh vibrancy to the country's domestic tourism.

A festive mood is now prevailing in Cox's Bazar, the country's main tourist destination. People of all ages are coming every day to enjoy the blue sea, the vast stretch of sandy beach and the roar of the waves.

Some are busy bathing in the sea with family members, some are taking photos with friends, while others are sitting on the beach enjoying the soothing salty breeze.

With the arrival of tourists, activity has increased at hotels, motels, resorts and entertainment centres in the town.

Business people concerned expect that several lakh tourists may gather in Cox's Bazar during the Puja holidays. Those concerned said advance room bookings at many hotels have reached 80 to 90 percent.

Cox's Bazar Deputy Commissioner Md A Mannan told BSS that the administration is working at the field level to ensure the safety of tourists.

Coordination is being maintained among the district administration, district police, tourist police and other agencies concerned to ensure safe and hassle-free travel, he added.

He continued that necessary measures have been taken so that tourists can spend their time safely.

The number of tourists has also increased in Kuakata, the tourist spot in the southern region. Holidaymakers are going there to enjoy the rare experience of watching both sunrise and sunset from the same beach.

They are enjoying their holidays by walking along the long beach, taking in the beauty of the sea, tasting local food and spending time at various entertainment centres.

Besides the sea, the joy of the holidays has also spread to the hill tourist spots. Crowds of tourists are being seen at various attractions in Khagrachhari, including the Alutila Cave, Richhang Waterfall and Mayabini Lake.

Visitors are spending time amid hilly paths, streams of waterfalls and green nature, leaving behind the hustle and bustle of city life. Interest is also growing among adventure lovers in recreational activities such as zipline and giant swing.

Meanwhile, Sajek Valley, known for its cloud-covered hills, winding roads and scenic natural views, has also become one of the major attractions for tourists.

According to the association of resort and cottage owners in Sajek, advance bookings have increased at most accommodation centres centring the Puja holidays. The presence of tourists is also having a positive impact on local transport, food shops and other service-related businesses.

Rangamati, unique for its blend of hills, green forests and the blue waters of Kaptai Lake, has also seen increased vibrancy with the footfall of tourists.

Visitors have been crowding the hanging bridge, one of the main attractions of the district town, since morning. Some are standing on the bridge enjoying the view of the hills and the lake, while others are taking photos with family members. Many are touring Kaptai Lake on hired tourist boats. The journey across the lake towards the Subalong Waterfall has also become a special attraction for tourists.

Hotels, motels and resorts in the town are also busier due to the additional pressure of tourists.

Alok Bikash Chakma, manager of Rangamati Parjatan Holiday Complex, said demand for rooms at their accommodation centre has increased centring the Durga Puja holidays. As tourists continue to arrive, they are expecting good business in the coming days as well.

Teacher Md Hanif, who came to Rangamati from Jamalpur with his family, said the extraordinary beauty of the hills and Kaptai Lake has fascinated them.

He believes that if the tourist spots can be further modernised, the number of tourists will increase here throughout the year.

Md Yusuf, in charge of the ticket counter of the hanging bridge at Rangamati Parjatan Complex, said the number of tourists has increased significantly during the Puja holidays.

Besides guests staying at the complex's accommodation, a large number of visitors are coming every day to see the hanging bridge. Many are also touring Kaptai Lake by hiring boats.

Rangamati Superintendent of Police Muhammad Abdur Rakib told BSS that security arrangements have been strengthened through coordination between the district administration and district police to ensure peaceful celebration of Durga Puja and maximum security for tourists.

Attention is also being paid so that tourists do not face any kind of harassment, he added.

The additional presence of tourists is also having a positive impact on the local economy. Workload has increased at hotels, motels, resorts and cottages, as well as at restaurants, local transport, boats, tourist jeeps and small business establishments. Opportunities have been created for local families and small entrepreneurs involved in these tourism-dependent businesses to increase their income.

In hilly areas in particular, the tourism season is directly linked to the livelihoods and employment of many people.

Besides enjoying natural beauty, these trips are also creating opportunities for people to become familiar with the people, culture and lifestyle of different regions of the country.

The roar of the sea, the silence of the hills, the murmur of waterfalls or boat trips on the lake: each experience is adding a different dimension to the holiday.

The long Durga Puja holiday has thus increased the joy of leisure for tourists on one hand, and created fresh optimism in the country's domestic tourism sector and local trade and commerce on the other, reports BSS.