Tk2,500cr plan to transform Cox’s Bazar into global tourism hub

To prepare the master plan, the Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation, with support from the PPP Authority, has invited proposals from seven consultancy firms, including international firms from the UK, France, Spain and India

The government is moving ahead with an ambitious Tk2,500 crore plan to transform Cox’s Bazar into a world-class tourism destination, seeking foreign investment to develop a sprawling tourism and entertainment zone that would encourage visitors to stay for several days rather than make brief beach trips.

The project forms part of a comprehensive master plan to position the district, home to the world’s longest natural sandy sea beach, as a globally competitive tourism destination under a public-private partnership (PPP) model.

To prepare the master plan, the Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation, with support from the PPP Authority, has invited proposals from seven consultancy firms, including international firms from the UK, France, Spain and India, a senior Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry official said.

The selected consultant will conduct feasibility studies, prepare land-use and architectural plans, assess investment needs and risks, and develop a framework for attracting private and foreign investment.

Md Ziaul Haque Howlader, general manager (planning, statistics and training) of Parjatan Corporation, said the consultant would prepare a detailed master plan covering facilities, land use, investment requirements, projected returns and potential risks.

“Based on our preliminary assessment, the investment could be around Tk2,500 crore. However, the final requirement will be determined through a detailed feasibility study,” he said.

The proposed development will cover Parjatan Corporation-owned land around the Shaibal and Laboni beach areas.

Planned attractions include hotels, resorts, a private beach zone, a Ferris wheel, amusement rides, swimming pools, water sports, spas, gyms, cinemas, a 3D cineplex, food courts, restaurants, shopping facilities, a gaming zone, an aquarium and spaces for handicrafts, souvenirs and regular cultural performances.

The government wants to create a destination where tourists can comfortably spend two or three days instead of limiting their visit to the beach.

“We want tourists to remain engaged with different activities so that they can comfortably spend two or three days within the destination without feeling bored,” Ziaul Haque said.

He added that the development would also include exclusive facilities for foreign tourists, including a dedicated beach area offering greater privacy and comfort.

The Parjatan Corporation is appointing a transaction adviser to prepare the detailed project design and financial assessment. After the master plan and feasibility study are completed, the government plans to invite international investors. The selected developer is expected to receive about three years to complete the project.

Tourism stakeholders welcomed the initiative but stressed that implementation would be the key to its success.

Masum Pervez, chief executive officer of Tourifye, said Cox’s Bazar had the potential to become a major international tourism destination, provided the master plan was professionally prepared and properly implemented.

He said the government should clearly define whether it intended to develop Cox’s Bazar as a tourism destination or a broader regional tourism hub, while ensuring international-standard facilities and stronger links with global tourism networks. He also stressed that tourist safety and security would be essential to attracting foreign visitors.

Nusrat Jahan, associate professor at the University of Dhaka’s Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management, said improved transport, cleanliness, security and visitor services were essential if Cox’s Bazar was to compete internationally. She also called for dedicated tourism zones featuring night markets and cultural attractions.

Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanom said the government was committed to developing Cox’s Bazar into a premier tourism destination through an eco-tourism model. She said Parjatan Corporation-operated hotels were being modernised and expressed optimism that the upgraded Cox’s Bazar International Airport would soon boost international tourist arrivals.