As Cox’s Bazar Loses Its Natural Appeal, Foreign Visitors Decline
Cox’s Bazar, home to the world’s longest natural sea beach, remains one of the most popular tourist destinations in Bangladesh. While domestic tourism continues to thrive, the beach town has seen little success in drawing international visitors.
Critics argue that rapid, unplanned urbanisation has led to an erosion of the natural charm that once defined the area. With high-rise hotels dominating the skyline and little regard for environmental impact, Cox’s Bazar is turning increasingly into a concrete sprawl.
Official data indicates there are nearly 600 registered hotels, motels, and resorts in the town. The Cox’s Bazar Hotel & Guest House Owners’ Association notes that the Kolatoli area alone — just 3 square kilometres in size — is packed with 538 such establishments.
According to the Cox’s Bazar Chamber of Commerce and Industry, an estimated 2 to 2.5 million Bangladeshis visit during peak season. However, there is no official record of how many foreign tourists arrive, with hoteliers saying their numbers are negligible.
“Over the past year, foreign guests were virtually zero,” said Abu Taleb, a senior official at The Cox Today hotel.
Environmentalists warn that uncontrolled construction is damaging the very foundation of the region’s appeal — its natural beauty. Despite the potential of areas like Maheshkhali, Sonadia, Inani, and Himchhari, no meaningful initiatives have been taken to develop these locations in a sustainable way.
“Unplanned hotel construction seems to have become the norm in Cox’s Bazar,” said Moazzem Hossain, chairman of Save the Nature of Bangladesh. “Yet nature-based tourism is the only long-term sustainable solution. Foreigners will not come to see concrete — they will be drawn by nature and culture.”
Professor Moinul Hasan Palash, head of the Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management at Cox’s Bazar City College, echoed these concerns, highlighting that tourism in Cox’s Bazar has always been disorderly and lacking strategic planning.
“No government has ever given tourism the priority it deserves. The absence of an independent Ministry of Tourism is the clearest proof,” said Prof Palash. “Attracting foreign tourists is becoming increasingly difficult. Tourism is a service — and if service quality doesn’t improve, sustainable tourism cannot be achieved simply by building infrastructure. Foreign guests won’t come just to stay in air-conditioned rooms — they come to see and experience Bangladesh.”
He stressed that countries like Bhutan and the Maldives have shown that attracting foreign tourists requires more than just scenic spots. It demands quality, diverse experiences, eco-conscious policies, and strong international branding.
“Cox’s Bazar can be the foundation of Bangladesh’s tourism sector, but it needs transformation,” he added.
Tourism experts also point out that Cox’s Bazar offers little beyond the beach. There is a notable lack of eco-tourism initiatives, international-standard entertainment options, and cultural attractions. Nightlife is virtually non-existent, and recreational facilities for foreign tourists are limited.
Local entrepreneurs have shown reluctance in investing in large-scale, sustainable tourism projects. Government initiatives to promote eco-tourism have also been limited. As a result, most visitors are left with little more than the beach to enjoy.
Abu Morshed Chowdhury Khoka, president of the Cox’s Bazar Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said: “We are busy just building hotels and inflating land prices. But to attract foreigners, we must ensure safety, cleanliness, quality service, and world-class experiences. A coordinated master plan is essential for sustainable tourism. Otherwise, this city will remain stuck with only domestic crowds, and foreign currency won’t flow in.”
Local tourism operator Kalim Ullah pointed to the lack of safety and entertainment options for international guests.
“There is no exclusive zone or safe environment for foreigners. The beach is often dirty, and there are no nighttime entertainment options or international-standard events. Even basic facilities like sunbathing are unavailable. Those who do come often don’t return.”
Even Bangladeshi tourists have expressed frustration. Mokammel Hossain, a visitor from Dhaka, said: “It feels like nothing is planned. There are shops and vendors everywhere. There are no modern changing rooms or proper showers.”
Concerns also persist about hygiene, safety after dark, and rising accommodation costs — with some saying that foreign travel offers better value. Makeshift shops have proliferated, and poor waste management has become a serious issue. Plastic waste, food packaging, and polythene bags litter the beaches, while some hotels continue to dump waste directly into the sea.
Although authorities have stated that a new masterplan is being developed, environmentalists argue that more robust and coordinated action is required immediately.
Experts warn that without a substantial increase in foreign tourist arrivals, Bangladesh’s tourism sector will continue to fall short of its potential.
“Bangladesh’s tourism lifeline is nature,” said Prof Palash. “Unless we build tourism around it, Cox’s Bazar will become nothing more than a jungle of concrete.”
Source: bdnews24
