Govt mulls seaplane service to facilitate year-round trips to St Martin's
However, only a limited number of tourists will be allowed to travel there in order to protect the environment
The government plans to launch seaplane service to facilitate tourists visiting Cox's Bazar to travel to Saint Martin's Island throughout the year, Cox's Bazar Development Authority (CDA) Chairman Commodore Mohammad Nurul Absar said today.
"However, only a limited number of tourists will be allowed to travel there in order to protect the environment. Therefore, registration is being made mandatory for all tourists," the CDA chairman said while speaking at a views exchange programme in Cox's Bazar on Thursday (14 September).
Mentioning that a large number of tourists flock to Saint Martin's Island during every tourist season, he said these trips are having a serious impact on the environment and surroundings of Saint Martin's Island.
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"Therefore, the inclusion of seaplanes is under consideration to facilitate the travel of a restricted number of tourists to Saint Martin. The government is actively working towards the swift implementation of this service," he added.
He also highlighted the government's comprehensive development plans for Cox's Bazar.
"The region has already seen significant progress. In addition to the ongoing projects, efforts are underway to elevate Cox's Bazar into a premier tourist destination that aligns with international standards," he stated.
He went on to say plans for cable car installations from Cox's Bazar to Moheshkhali and Cox's Bazar to Teknaf are in the pipeline.
A vast undersea aquarium at Sabrang Tourism Park, circular bus terminal, marina bay resort, Khurushkul smart city, theme park, eco-resort, and riverine tourism in Chowfaldandi - all of these projects are currently being fast-tracked for completion, he added.
