Tourism on St Martin’s island suspended for 9 months from Feb 1

Tourist visits to St Martin’s Island in Teknaf upazila in Cox’s Bazar, will be suspended for nine months starting February 1 to protect the fragile environment of the country’s only coral island.

Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change announced that the current tourism season, which reopened on November 1 last year, will conclude on January 31.

During the season, travel was limited to daytime visits in November, with overnight stays permitted in December and January. 

A maximum of 2,000 tourists were allowed per day, following government guidelines.

Additional District Magistrate Imran Hossain said no ships carrying tourists will be allowed to operate from February 1. 

He added that the government may revise the tourism schedule in the future and necessary measures will be taken accordingly.

SH