St Martin’s reopens to tourists Nov 1

Daily visitor cap raised to 3,500; environmentalists raise concerns

St Martin’s Island will reopen to tourists on November 1 for a four-and-a-half-month season ending on March 15.

A maximum of 3,500 tourists will be allowed to visit the island daily, with each visitor required to pay Tk 100 as an environmental conservation fee.

Previously, the island allowed up to 2,000 tourists a day from November 1 to January 31, with overnight stays permitted only in December and January. 

This time, however, it remains unclear whether overnight stays will be allowed in November.

The environment ministry yesterday issued instructions to relevant ministries and departments to implement the decisions.

Under the instructions, neither the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority nor the Department of Shipping can permit vessels to operate to St Martin’s without approval from the environment ministry.

Authorised tourist vessels will operate from Nuniachhara Ghat, while the Department of Environment has been asked to collect the conservation fee.

Meanwhile, cruise ship operators expressed concern over whether the necessary approvals could be secured before November 1.

Hossain Islam Bahadur, general secretary of the Sea Cruise Operators-Owners Association, said operators hoped to resume services within four days if they received administrative support.

“Three vessels are currently ready to operate and can carry 2,300 tourists cumulatively,” he said, adding that at least six more vessels might join the service.

However, Bahadur said obtaining clearances from the DoE, Department of Shipping, BIWTA and district council was complicated. “We are communicating with the relevant departments in this regard,” he said.

Businesspeople, politicians and residents brought out a celebratory procession on the island yesterday, welcoming the decision to resume tourism.

However, environmentalists raised concerns over the decision.

Alamgir Kabir, general secretary of Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon, said, “We believe the government’s decision to increase the number of tourists allowed on the island and extend the tourism season in the interests of businesses conflicts with the need to protect Saint Martin’s biodiversity. We hope the government will reconsider its decision.”