Saint Martin reopens on November 1: 3,500 tourists a day, season runs to March 15

Saint Martin, the country's only coral island, will reopen to tourists on November 1. On Sunday afternoon (25 October), local representatives, businesspeople and people from various professions held a joyous procession on the island following the decision.

Under the new decision, a maximum of 3,500 tourists a day will be able to travel to Saint Martin. The tourism season will run until March 15, 2027. Each tourist will have to pay an environment conservation fee of Tk 100.

In the previous season, travel to the island was allowed until February 28; this time the period has been extended to March 15. At the same time, the daily maximum number of tourists has been raised from 2,000 to 3,500.

The decisions were conveyed in a letter issued on Sunday by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. However, the letter had not yet reached the relevant branch of the Cox's Bazar district administration as of that day, it was learned.

Tourists will have to travel to Saint Martin by approved ships from the Nuniyarchhara BIWTA jetty in Cox's Bazar town. Alongside the ship ticket, they will need online registration or a QR-coded travel pass.

Island residents say tourism is one of the main sources of their livelihood and income, and that the long suspension of tourist travel had created stagnation in the island's economic activity. Faizul Islam, acting chairman of Saint Martin Union Parishad, said the life, livelihood and economic activity of around 3,500 people on the island are linked to tourism, and that the opportunity for tourist travel over the next four months has brought new hope to local people's livelihoods and economy. He expressed gratitude to the government and those concerned for the initiative.

Island resident Advocate Kefayet Ullah said the decision to resume tourism activities in Saint Martin after a long wait is a matter of great joy for them, and that they are happy to be freed from the previous restrictions and given the opportunity to conduct tourism activities. He said residents, businesspeople and all concerned are pleased that the period and rules for tourist travel from November 1 to March 15 have been set.

Mohammad Taiyab Ullah, owner of Saint Martin Mermaid Resort, said the hopes and aspirations of the island's residents are going to be fulfilled after a long two years, and that they welcome the government's initiative. He said tourism is the main source of income for the people of Saint Martin, so businesspeople and island residents will benefit from the opportunity to run tourism activities for a long period.

Ship operators said preparations for vessel operations are in the final stage. Nurul Islam, director of Farhan Tourism, said the tourist ships are currently in Chattogram, necessary repair work including painting and replacing chairs and seats has been completed, and the ships have been kept ready to operate from November 1. Hossain Islam Bahadur, general secretary of the Sea Cruise Operator Owners Association, said ships will operate to Saint Martin from November 1 to March 15, tourists will be able to stay there day and night, and a maximum of 3,500 tourists a day will be able to travel.

Even as tourism resumes, various restrictions will remain in force to protect the island's environment and biodiversity. Carrying and using single-use plastic, lighting lights on the beach at night, playing music at high volume and barbecuing will be prohibited. Restrictions will also be imposed on tourist travel to Chheradwip.