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Published : 29 May 2026, 09:19 PM
Kuakata, usually packed with holidayers during Eid vacations, is witnessing an unusually quiet season this year, with tourism businesses describing the situation as a “drought” amid poor visitor turnout.
The sea beach remained largely calm on Eid day on Thursday, though tourist numbers began rising slightly as Friday progressed.
Most visitors, however, were from nearby districts and appeared to be day-trippers spending only a short time before leaving.
Business owners believe soaring living costs have squeezed household budgets, leaving little room for leisure travel despite the long Eid holiday.
Tourism leaders said luxury hotels and motels in the coastal destination have managed bookings of only 10-15 percent.
Abdul Motaleb Sharif, president of the Kuakata Hotel-Motel Owners Association, said: “There are hardly any tourists in Kuakata during this Eid-ul-Azha holiday. Due to the tensions in West Asia and the country’s economic condition, most tourists have cut down their travel budgets.”
“During Eid-ul-Fitr, Kuakata saw huge tourist pressure. Most hotels and motels were fully booked and businesses made some profit. But this time it’s the opposite.”
Despite the low turnout, visitors at the beach’s Zero Point were seen enjoying the waves, strolling hand in hand along the shore and watching children play in the sand.
Tourists were also visiting Lembur Bon, Jhaubon and Gangamati beach points.
Restaurant owner Ganesh Das said business had slumped sharply compared with Eid-ul-Fitr.
Tourist Police Inspector Jayanta Kumar Mondal said officers, alongside naval and local police, remained on alert to ensure security, with plainclothes personnel also deployed for thorough monitoring.
Tour Operators Association of Kuakata President Ruman Imtiaz Tushar said around 16 professions in the town depend directly on tourism.
He expressed hope that crowds would increase within the next few days.
“Usually, tourists head towards Kuakata after completing Eid sacrifices. We expect tourist numbers to rise from Saturday,” he said.
Visitor Sohag Rahman, who travelled from Dhaka with his family, described the experience as “wonderful”, saying children were enjoying the beach most.
Another tourist Raisul Islam, who arrived with five friends from Dhaka after previously visiting Cox’s Bazar during Eid-ul-Fitr, said Kuakata offered “a different atmosphere”.
