BANGLADESH: What is claimed to be the world's longest beach is revamped in the hope of attracting more tourists

Record ID: 262164

  • Title: BANGLADESH: What is claimed to be the world's longest beach is revamped in the hope of attracting more tourists
  • Date: 17th February 2008
  • Summary: NEW HOTELS NEAR BEACH CONSTRUCTION OF HOTELS HOTELS NEAR BEACH PEOPLE WALKING ON SAND AT BEACH UMBRELLAS LINING BEACH HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE ON BEACH PEOPLE WADING IN WATER PEOPLE SWIMMING AND PLAYING IN WATER UMBRELLAS LINING BEACH PEOPLE ON DECK CHAIRS UNDER UMBRELLAS
  • Embargoed: 3rd March 2008 12:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Bangladesh
  • Country: Bangladesh
  • Topics: Nature / Environment,Light / Amusing / Unusual / Quirky
  • Reuters ID: LVA8V1AH9493RHLJ4SSC0VI3O1JL
  • Story Text: Tourism is picking up on Bangladesh's southeastern beach of Cox's Bazaar -- believed by many to be the world's longest natural beach.
    It's popularity among tourists is thanks to a local initiative involving at least 15 beatification projects in the town, 400km (250 miles) south from the capital Dhaka.
    The 120km long sandy shore is being developed and will soon be host to many new hotels and an 80km long Marine Drive road, which will snake along most of the length of the sea.

    "We are construction the Marine Drive road and this Marine Drive Road will be 80 kilometres in length all along the seashore. To attract the world and national tourists, we are developing this road and we are developing the seashore so that tourists can be attracted," explained Lieutenant Colonel Anisur Rahman of the Bangladeshi army.
    The beach holds the top spot in a list of global nominations for the title of being among the "Seven Natural Wonders of the World".
    Switzerland-based nonprofit foundation "New7Wonders" -- the same organisation which regulated the votes for the famous seven structural wonders -- is currently searching for the top natural wonders. The beach at Cox's Bazaar has so far received the most votes and locals are hoping it will make it into the record books by 2010 when a winner is chosen.
    The shortlist will be announced in January 2009.

    "I think this Cox's Bazaar is a very natural sight, so as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, I think this has a good opportunity," said one tourist, Jennifer.
    The unbroken stretch of beach is made up of a chain of sandy hills that run parallel to the sea for almost the entire length. Towering cliffs, colourful, ancient pagodas and Hindu temples, make it a natural attraction.
    The warm shark free waters, waterfalls, a game park, tribal villages and a coral island in Saint Martin nearby add to its charm.
    There are several beaches around the world which are claimed to be the longest. Among them are the 240km long Praia do Cassino beach in Brazil and Wasaga Beach in Ontario, Canada which is thought to be the longest freshwater beach. Bangladeshis say Cox's Bazaar is the world's longest natural sandy beach, though the claim has yet to be confirmed in record books.
    ENDS.
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