Residents, tourism businesses welcome move

Residents and tourism businesses on St Martin’s Island have welcomed the government’s decision to reopen the country’s only coral island to tourists from November 1, expressing hope that the resumption of tourism will revive the local economy after a prolonged slowdown.

The announcement has sparked celebrations on the island, with residents, local representatives and tourism entrepreneurs taking part in a joyful procession on Sunday afternoon to welcome the decision.
Under the new arrangement, a maximum of 3,500 tourists will be allowed to visit the island each day. The tourism season will continue until March 15, 2027, with each visitor required to pay Tk 100 as an environmental conservation fee.

The decision has brought renewed optimism to the island’s residents, many of whom depend on tourism for their livelihoods. For local families, earnings generated during the tourism season help cover household expenses throughout the rest of the year.

Hasan Mia, a local resident, said the news of the island reopening to tourists had created an atmosphere of celebration among residents and people involved in tourism-related businesses.

He added that the prolonged absence of tourists had slowed economic activities on the island, and the latest decision would create an opportunity to overcome some of those difficulties.

Another resident, Rahmat Ullah, said the resumption of tourism was a welcome development for islanders who had been struggling under restrictions on visitor access.

Rahmat added that the decision to set a specific period for tourist visits, from November 1 to March 15, had also brought relief to local residents and businesses.

Tayeb Ullah, a tourism entrepreneur on the island, welcomed the government’s decision, saying the arrangements had created an opportunity for more tourists to visit during the upcoming season compared with the previous period.

Acting chairman of St Martin’s Union Parishad Foyezul Islam also expressed satisfaction with the decision, saying tourism was closely linked to the livelihoods and economic activities of around 3,500 people living on the island.

“The opportunity to receive tourists over the next four months has created new hope for local livelihoods and the island’s economy,” he said.

Travel requirements and security: Tourists visiting St Martin’s Island will have to travel by authorised vessels departing from the BIWTA jetty at Nunia Chhara in Cox’s Bazar. In addition to purchasing vessel tickets, visitors will be required to complete online registration or carry a travel pass featuring a QR code.

Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) SM Anik Chowdhury said the upazila administration, alongside law enforcement agencies, would remain responsible for ensuring tourists’ safety during their visits. He said the administration would also monitor compliance with the restrictions imposed on tourism activities on the island.

Meanwhile, Cox’s Bazar Additional District Magistrate (ADM) Tasnim Jahan said no new decision had been made regarding overnight stays by tourists on the island.