Tourism resumes in Saint Martin's, yet no ships ply – here's why

Although Saint Martin's Island, the country's only coral island, reopened to tourists today (1 November) following a nine-month closure, ship owners said they have no plans to operate tourist vessels until December when overnight stays will be permitted.

According to the guidelines enforced last year, visitors are not allowed to stay overnight this month, and tourists visiting the island in November must return to Cox's Bazar on the same day.

The restriction has discouraged many from making the long sea journey, leaving ship operators with no immediate plans to resume services.

Hossain Islam, general secretary of the Sea Cruise Operator Owners Association of Bangladesh, said, "Although we have received approval to operate on the Cox's Bazar–Saint Martin's route, there are no tourists or passengers willing to travel in November. Consequently, the ships will not run this month. We are prepared to begin operations in December and January, like last year."

He added that around 1,20,000 tourists visited Saint Martin's during those two months last season.

Season shortened, conditions tightened

Under the government's latest decision, tourism in Saint Martin's – an eight-square-kilometre coral island in the Bay of Bengal – will be allowed for three months only, from November to January. Visits had been suspended since 1 February this year.

A maximum of 2,000 tourists will be permitted to visit the island daily, subject to 12 specific government directives.

According to the gazette, only daytime trips are allowed in November, while overnight stays will be permitted in December and January.

Among the directives issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, no vessel may operate without approval from the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) and the ministry.

Tickets must be purchased online through the Bangladesh Tourism Board's authorised web portal, and each ticket must contain a QR code. Tickets without QR codes will be considered invalid.

Tourist travel will again be completely suspended for nine months starting 1 February next year. During the open season, visitor numbers and travel schedules will be strictly monitored.

Tourism sector fears losses

Business owners on the island said the restriction on overnight stays in November would hurt local investment and livelihoods.

Nur Mohammad, vice-president of the Saint Martin's Shop Owners Association, said, "Even two years ago, tourists used to stay overnight for five months of the season. Now that this opportunity is gone, there is no buying or selling in the shops. Around 60–70 shops remain closed."

Shiblul Azam Qureshi, president of the Saint Martin's Hotel and Resort Owners Association, said, "We welcome the government's environmental protection initiative, but good tourism cannot be achieved by leaving investors in limbo and jeopardising the livelihoods of island residents."

He urged the authorities to allow tourists to stay overnight for five months — from October to February — as was previously permitted.

Environmental protection and visit rules

Visitors are prohibited from lighting fires on the beach at night, making loud noises, or hosting barbecue parties.

Entering Keora forests, collecting or trading Keora fruit, or harming sea turtles, corals, birds, king crabs, snails, and other marine life are strictly forbidden.

The use of motorised vehicles, including motorcycles and sea-bikes, on the beach is banned. Carrying polythene or single-use plastic items — such as chip packets, plastic spoons, straws, mini soap packs, shampoo sachets, and plastic bottles of 500ml or 1,000ml — is also prohibited. Tourists have been advised to carry reusable water flasks.

Md Abdul Mannan, deputy commissioner of Cox's Bazar, said the district administration would strictly enforce the 12 directives to protect the island's biodiversity. He added that, for security reasons, tourist vessels will now depart from Cox's Bazar town rather than Teknaf.