(BSS) - Hotels and motels in Cox`s Bazar have made extensive preparations to accommodate the influx of tourists expected during the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr holidays.

With the holidays lasting nine days, the town is anticipating a surge in visitors from the day after Eid, continuing for the next five days.

Bookings in Cox`s Bazar are already in full swing, with many tourists reserving rooms in advance for their stays between April 1 and April 5. For April 1-2, around 60-65 percent of rooms in star-rated hotels are already booked, while bookings for April 3-4 are almost full, reaching 90-95 percent, Hotel Seagull CEO Sheikh Imrul Siddiqui Rumi told BSS.

However, bookings for April 5 have dropped to 50-60 percent, reflecting a slight decrease in demand, though overall occupancy is expected to remain high during the holiday period.

Abul Kashem Sikder, president of the Cox`s Bazar Hotel Guesthouse Owners` Association, shared that approximately 2.1 million tourists visited Cox`s Bazar in November and December last year, while 700,000 came in January and February of this year. During this Eid holiday, the number of visitors is expected to surpass 1 million.

The trend of increasing tourism is also evident in the significant growth in advance online bookings.

Many tourists have already secured their preferred accommodations, ensuring a smooth and safe vacation, said SM Kibria Khan, founding president of the Cox`s Bazar Tours Operators Association (TUAC).

He noted that tourism is thriving even in the summer, with strong bookings for the first five days of April.

As in previous years, hotels and motels are being decorated to welcome visitors. Rooms are being freshly painted, and tourist spots such as Himchhari, Dariyanagar, Inani, Maheshkhali, and Dulahazara Safari Park have all been revitalized to enhance the visitor experience.

Javed Iqbal, general secretary of the Cox`s Bazar Restaurant Owners Association, said measures are in place to prevent tourists from facing any harassment, particularly in regard to inflated food prices.

Any complaints about overcharging will be addressed promptly, he said.

Abu Morshed Chowdhury, president of the Cox`s Bazar Chamber of Commerce and Industries, predicted that over 900,000 tourists would visit during the Eid holidays, with a continuing influx expected through April 12.

He stressed the need for strict measures so that tourists are not charged extra at hotels, motels, restaurants, or by transport providers.

Local law enforcement agencies are also making preparations to ensure the safety of tourists.

Efforts are underway to reduce traffic congestion and ensure safe travel, said additional superintendent of police (traffic) Jasim Uddin Chowdhury.

Additionally, Cox`s Bazar additional deputy commissioner Muhammad Nizam Uddin Ahmed said mobile courts will be deployed to monitor and prevent unfair pricing practices.

Immediate action will be taken against any hotel or restaurant found to be overcharging tourists, he said.