Cox’s bazar & the blue flag standard: a study on coastal tourism sustainability

Abstract

Cox’s Bazar, the world’s longest sandy sea beach, is key to Bangladesh’s coastal tourism. However, it faces increasing pressures from pollution, unplanned urban growth, and climate change. To ensure its sustainability, it is essential to follow global standards like the Blue Flag Standard. This eco-label certifies beaches based on strict criteria for water quality, waste management, safety, and environmental education. This study looks at how well the Blue Flag framework can apply to Cox’s Bazar by examining current tourism practices, policies, and views from stakeholders. The findings highlight significant gaps in infrastructure, enforcement, and community awareness that hinder sustainable management. Introducing the Blue Flag system could boost conservation efforts, draw eco-minded tourists, and improve the global standing of Cox’s Bazar. In the end, this research suggests that eco-certification provides a practical way to balance environmental health with socio-economic growth in Bangladesh’s coastal tourism sector.