Tourists have begun flocking to Kuakata sea beach in Patuakhali to witness the last sunset of the year and welcome the first sunrise of the new year from the same shoreline—one of Kuakata’s unique attractions.
Since Wednesday morning, visitors have been arriving at the beach, drawn by the rare opportunity to enjoy both sunrise and sunset from a single spot. However, tourism-related business owners say the number of tourists this year is noticeably lower compared to last year.
Despite the smaller turnout, those who have arrived are spending time on the beach and enjoying the scenery. Many were seen ignoring the biting cold and bathing in the salty seawater on Wednesday afternoon.
Hotel Khan Palace owner Abdur Rahim Khan said tourist arrivals are lower due to the national mourning day observed for the death of former prime minister and national leader Begum Khaleda Zia. “Because of the mourning day, fewer tourists came today. We expect more visitors from tomorrow,” he said.
Business owners reported that around 50 percent of hotel and motel rooms are currently booked. They expect tourist numbers to rise further from Thursday, January 1, 2026, as the new year begins.
Kuakata Hotel Motel Owners Association President Abdul Motaleb Sharif said severe cold weather has also affected tourist turnout. “I expected a large number of tourists this weekend, but the cold has reduced arrivals. Still, about half of the hotel rooms are booked, and more tourists may come tomorrow,” he said.
Local traders are also hopeful. Manowar Hossain, a beach umbrella and bench trader, said tourists started arriving on Wednesday. “More tourists will come from Thursday, January 1, and the following two days—Friday and Saturday—are weekly holidays,” he added.
To ensure visitor safety, members of the tourist police, naval police and local police are on duty across the beach area.
Kuakata Municipal Administrator and Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land) Yasin Sadek said, “Tourists have arrived in Kuakata, but their number is lower due to the severe winter cold and the national mourning day. The municipal administration, tourist police and upazila administration are working together to serve and ensure the safety of tourists.”
