TDS Desk:

Eight years after its establishment in 2016, the Cox’s Bazar Development Authority (CoxDA) has yet to draft a master plan to transform the tourist town into a modern and planned city, despite initiating a Tk174.72 crore project for the purpose.

Experts emphasize the importance of integrating modern facilities to make the tourist hub more appealing to both domestic and international visitors.

A sustainable and long-term tourism system cannot thrive solely on the beach and accommodation services. Introducing innovations to meet tourist demands is crucial.

Tourism stakeholders note that despite Cox’s Bazar’s scenic beauty along its 120 km coastline, visitors typically confine themselves to a few well-known spots, leaving much of the region unexplored.

To enhance tourist experiences, initiatives like cable cars from Cox’s Bazar to Teknaf and to nearby islands like Maheshkhali should be prioritized. Exclusive tourist zones, halal zones, sea-netting systems, watchtowers, bungee jumping facilities, and safe parasailing arrangements can add value.

Inspired by tourist hotspots like Goa, Maldives, and Sri Lanka, Cox’s Bazar could also introduce attractions such as nightclubs, casino beaches, and high-end shopping malls or cineplexes to enhance nightlife.

Hussain Islam Bahadur, General Secretary of Cox’s Bazar Sea Cruise Operators Owners Association, stressed the need for luxury cruise ships. He said, “Most tourists have no idea what Cox’s Bazar looks like beyond its beaches. Providing facilities for deep-sea cruises could offer them a more immersive experience.”

However, cumbersome procedures, such as requiring approvals from 18 departments for ship operations, deter new investors. A one-stop licensing system is essential for the tourism hub.

According to the Bangladesh Tourism Corporation’s 2023-24 annual report, tourism is globally recognized as a key economic sector, contributing approximately 10% to the global GDP and 11% to direct employment. In contrast, tourism accounts for only 3.1% of Bangladesh’s GDP and 1.7% of employment, significantly lagging behind other Asian countries.

The World Economic Forum’s Travel & Tourism Index ranks Bangladesh 109th among 119 countries, placing it last in South Asia and the Asia-Pacific.

Hotel and Motel Owners Association President Abul Kasem Sikder highlighted the need for modern shopping malls, cineplexes, and amusement parks to support tourist nightlife. He emphasized that tourism cannot be limited to beaches and hotel stays.

ANM Helal Uddin, President of Cox’s Bazar Citizens’ Forum, pointed out that tourism’s contribution to Bangladesh’s GDP is minimal compared to other South Asian nations. He said, “Despite having the world’s longest beach, we have failed to attract enough foreign tourists. A tourist-friendly master plan that preserves nature and the environment is essential for growth.”