Kamran Siddiqui
At the southernmost edge of Bangladesh lies Kuakata, a rare coastal destination where visitors can witness both sunrise and sunset from the same vast sea beach. Known as the ‘Daughter of the Sea,’ this panoramic beach stretches nearly 30 kilometers along the Bay of Bengal, offering a unique natural setting. Despite its scenic beauty and growing tourism base, stakeholders believe Kuakata’s potential remains largely untapped—particularly in the emerging niche of golf tourism.
Industry insiders, policymakers, and sports enthusiasts now see an opportunity to transform Kuakata into a high-end international tourism destination by integrating golf facilities with its existing attractions.
MA Motaleb Sharif, president of the Kuakata Hotel-Motel Owners' Association, believes the foundation for such development already exists. “Kuakata holds strong potential to emerge as a major tourism hub, particularly as a golf tourism destination, if proper planning and infrastructure are ensured,” he said.
Over the years, Kuakata has experienced steady growth in accommodation facilities. From just five to seven hotels in its early days, the number has expanded to nearly 200–300 establishments today, according to the Kuakata Hotel-Motel Owners' Association. Notable properties include Sikder Resort & Villas, Ocean View, D’more, and Khan Palace, along with 10 to 20 comparatively high-quality accommodations. While a few hotels are approaching four-star standards, most still remain within the three-star category.
However, Sharif warns that unplanned development could undermine long-term sustainability. The absence of an effective development authority has led to construction without proper approvals, creating uncertainty for investors. Although Kuakata has a municipality, it still lacks authority to approve building plans.
“Proper planning is essential,” Sharif stressed. “Accommodation, infrastructure, and overall management must follow a coordinated framework to support large numbers of tourists,”he said.
Connectivity remains another major bottleneck
Kuakata is located about 320 kilometers south of Dhaka and around 70 kilometers from Patuakhali. While it attracts visitors from across the country, poor road conditions and long travel times discourage many potential tourists.
Sharif emphasized that improved road networks, along with projects such as a marine drive, could significantly boost tourist arrivals. He also highlighted the need to diversify tourism offerings, noting that limited recreational activities often prevent visitors from extending their stay.
Access to the Sundarbans—one of the region’s key attractions—remains time-consuming and weather-dependent. To address this, Sharif proposed dredging a 5–6 kilometer canal route, which could allow tourists to visit the Sundarbans and return within a single day.
Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation’s (BPC) General Manager (Planning), Ziaul Haque Howlader emphasized the importance of international connectivity. To attract golfers from countries such as Japan, the United Kingdom, Germany, and the United States, improved air connectivity is essential. This could involve upgrading Barishal Airport or establishing a dedicated airport near Kuakata.
“Travel must be smooth and comfortable,” he said. “Accommodation, connectivity, and supporting infrastructure need to be developed around golf tourism,” he added.
Beyond conventional tourism, stakeholders see golf as a potential game-changer
Golf is typically played by affluent tourists, and many international destinations feature golf facilities. Kuakata does not yet have such an offering.
Sharif proposed developing a large-scale golf course alongside an amusement park, requiring approximately 100 to 200 acres of land. “If a golf course and an amusement park are developed together, it will attract both domestic and international tourists, especially high-end visitors,” he added.
Supporting this vision, BPC’s GM Ziaul Haque Howlader, highlighted the global rise of golf tourism. “Golf is now popular among all age groups and professions worldwide, and it also offers significant health benefits,” he said.
According to him, developing an international-standard golf course requires substantial land and infrastructure. A standard 18-hole golf course typically requires at least 100 acres, along with a driving range and specialized facilities.
“Kuakata presents a promising opportunity,” he said.
However, land availability remains a key condition. “If at least 100 acres of suitable land can be secured, an 18-hole golf course could be developed, attracting investors,” he explained.
From a sporting perspective, golfer Dulal Hossain also supports the initiative. He believes a coastal golf course would offer a unique experience. “Playing golf in a scenic coastal environment would be highly attractive and could draw more enthusiasts,” he said.
He pointed out that many golfers in Bangladesh have limited opportunities outside Dhaka. A facility in Kuakata would allow players to combine travel with recreation, increasing both participation in golf and tourist inflow.
Dulal added that integrating golf with existing attractions would encourage longer stays. Visitors could explore Kuakata’s natural beauty—including the Gongamati Reserved Forest, migratory birds, and its vast sandy beach—while also engaging in recreational activities.
Kuakata’s origins add further cultural depth
The name derives from “Kua,” meaning well, dug by early Rakhine settlers in the 18th century. Today, remnants of this heritage remain visible, blending history with natural beauty.
Despite being declared a tourist destination in 1997 and having a master plan approved in 2013, implementation has remained slow. Stakeholders cite lack of coordination, delayed approvals, and infrastructure gaps as major constraints.
Kuakata Hotel-Motel Owners Association president Sharif believes the responsibility does not lie solely with the central government but stresses the need for coordinated action. “If the government ensures road connectivity, a marine drive, and basic infrastructure, private investors will come forward,” he said.
As Bangladesh seeks to diversify its tourism portfolio, Kuakata stands at a crossroads. With its unique geography, growing hospitality sector, and promising location, the addition of golf tourism could elevate it to a new level.
Whether that potential is realized will depend on planning, investment, and timely execution. For now, Kuakata remains a destination full of promise—waiting to be fully discovered.
Kamran Siddiqui is a journalist based in Dhaka
