A weeklong 'Tourism Fair and Beach Carnival' has begun in Cox's Bazar on Tuesday (Sept 27) marking the World Tourism Day.

The entire tourism capital has been decorated colourfully keeping the theme of this year's World Tourism Day in mind.

Besides, the 'Tourism Fair and Beach Carnival' is being organised to promote and boost the country's tourism sector.

Cox's Bazar district administration and beach management committee (BMC) are jointly organizing the carnival at the Laboni Point of the beach with the theme 'Tourism's New Concept'.

Marking World Tourism Day, the event, sponsored by Bashundhara Group, will continue till October 3.

On the occasion of the carnival, a colourful rally was brought out from Labani Point and ended after arriving at Sugandha Point. It was participated by some 2,000 people including local public representatives, government officials of the district and upazila levels, politicians, and representatives of various professional bodies.

As part of the fair and carnival, stalls have been set up on both sides of the road from Hotel Kallol premises of Labani Point to the Tourist Police Gate.

Some 230 stalls have been allocated to make the tourism fair attractive to visitors. Cox's Bazar tourism-related items including pickles, shutki (dry fish) and pitha (cake) are being displayed at these stalls.

Besides, various attractive arrangements have been made at the fair, including an essay writing and painting competition, kite festival, cultural programmes, fun games, lantern festival, magic show, sane-made sculptures, fireworks, DJ show, cricket, magic shows, and concert where local and national-level artistes will perform.

Apart from the local artistes, Chattogram's regional artiste Mary, pop singers Mehrin, Akhi Alamgir, Band 'Kure Ghar,' and comedian Arman will perform during the festival.

A special function will be arranged in presence of foreign tourists. They will present juzz, heavy metal and opera. The programmes will begin at 10:00am and end at 12:00 midnight everyday.

Additional Deputy Commissioner (Revenue) of Cox's Bazar Amin Al Pervez said the fair is being organised to highlight the longest beach in the world and turn Cox's Bazar into an international-standard tourist attraction.

With this event, the district administration is bringing a little difference in the ways Cox's Bazar is presented to the world, he added.

Additional District Magistrate of Cox's Bazar Abu Sufian said Cox's Bazar is moving towards increasing the number of tourists at night than in the daytime. Tourist Police and BMC are working on it.

On this occasion, hotel and motel owners of Cox's Bazar have offered 30-70 per cent discount to locals and tourists visiting the city while visitors will enjoy 50 per cent discount on food items at restaurants.

Cox's Bazar Hotel-Motel Guest House Owners Association President Alhaj Abul Kashem Sikder said, "We always welcome tourists in Cox's Bazar. We are offering special discounts on the occasion of the carnival."