Balancing Tourism Growth and Coastal Sustainability: A Carrying Capacity Assessment of Patuartek Sea Beach, Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh

Tourism carrying capacity (TCC) of a tourist destination is assessed to determine the maximum number of tourists to be allowed in a destination at a time. TCC can help control visitor numbers to protect the natural and socio-cultural environment of the destination while ensuring that tourists’ needs are met and the well-being of local communities is maintained. Patuartek Beach is one of the most popular sea beaches in Cox’s Bazar District, mainly famous for coral stones, sandy beach, and red crabs. However, because of the heavy use of the beach by both local fishermen and tourists, the natural beauty and biodiversity of the beach are under threat of degradation. This study assesses the TCC of Patuartek Beach using the modified Cifuentes Method incorporating physical, environmental, socio-cultural, economic, and managerial parameters to estimate the optimal number of visitors at Patuartek Beach. The study finds that the effective TCC of Patuartek Beach is 201; that is, the maximum number of tourists should be allowed to enjoy the beach at a given time is 201. The study would facilitate government decision-making by providing an evidence-based guideline for regulating tourist flows at Patuartek Beach, while contributing to the TCC literature supporting sustainable tourism management.