Kalapara (Patuakhali) Correspondent:
Overcoming the monsoon blues, Kuakata—the second largest tourist destination in Bangladesh—is bustling with tourists once again. The upcoming Durga Puja holidays alongside the scheduled "Kuakata Beach Carnival 2026" on October 23 and 24 have triggered a massive influx of visitors, rekindling hopes of economic recovery for local businesses.
Hotel and motel operators reported that nearly 70% of room capacities have already been booked in advance. Hoteliers, restaurant owners, and small beachside traders expect this seasonal boom to offset the severe losses incurred over the past few months.
On-site observations revealed a vibrant atmosphere along the shoreline. During the monsoon, footfall dropped drastically, heavily impacting local micro-entrepreneurs selling sea shells, coconuts, tea, and souvenirs. However, the combined wave of the autumn holidays, the upcoming carnival, and the early hint of winter has brought renewed enthusiasm.
Tourism insiders noted that a "Beach Marathon" planned from Zero Point to Gangamati Beach on the carnival’s opening day has added extra flair to the festivities. Kuakata houses around 250 to 300 hotels and over a hundred eateries, employing thousands of local residents whose livelihoods directly depend on tourist volume.
Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M. Rashiduzzaman Millat is expected to inaugurate the beach carnival as the chief guest. State Minister for Planning Md. Jonayer Abdur Rahim Saki, Patuakhali-1 MP Altaf Hossain Chowdhury, local MP ABM Mosharraf Hossain, Reserved Seat MP Sultana Zaman Jui, and Tourism Secretary Nurunnahar Chowdhury are scheduled to attend as special guests.
"I have visited Kuakata several times before, but coming here with my family during this festive period feels exceptional," said Parvez Shaheen, a tourist from Dhaka. Another first-time visitor from Khulna, Shahinur Akter, praised the scenic natural spots like Lebugur (Lemon Grove) and Gangamati, wishing she had timed her trip to coincide with the carnival.
Speaking on security and management, Tourist Police Inspector Md. Najmul Hasan stated that plainclothes and uniformed officers have been deployed across all key sites to ensure a hassle-free environment.
Furthermore, Kuakata Municipal Administrator and Assistant Commissioner (Land) Md. Yasin Sadeq assured that mobile courts are actively conducting drives to prevent price gouging and enforce food safety standards. Kuakata Beach Management Committee Member Secretary and Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md. Arifuzzaman added that multi-layered security protocols, medical teams, and emergency support services are fully operational for the event.
Driven by the festive season and the beach carnival, stakeholders are optimistic that Kuakata’s tourism sector is poised for a robust economic resurgence.