What tour operators say about delay? 

Against the backdrop of the deferral of tourist arrivals on St Martin’s Island due to delays in obtaining necessary government approvals by tour agencies, our Cox’s Bazar Correspondent interviewed several operators: 

Hossainul Islam Bahadur, General Secretary, Sea Cruise Operators Owners Association of Bangladesh (SCOAB) said that although Saint Martin’s Island was reopened to tourists on November 1, ship operations have yet to begin due to delays in obtaining necessary approvals from government authorities.

So far, three vessels have received permission from the Department of Shipping and other relevant agencies to operate on the Saint Martin’s route this season. Applications have been submitted for approval for seven more vessels. The approved vessels are fully prepared to begin operations.

From this season, the government has made clearance from the Department of Environment mandatory for operating ships to the island. The three approved vessels received environmental clearance on Thursday, but some administrative formalities remain incomplete. Completing these procedures may take until November 3 or 4.

Last season’s ship fire was an unfortunate incident. This time, the Mercantile Marine Department is closely monitoring the overall condition and safety of the vessels to ensure safe operations.

Anwar Kamal, President, Tour Operators Association of Cox’s Bazar (TOAC) said that under the government’s decision, up to 3,500 tourists will be allowed to visit Saint Martin’s Island daily. They will board ships from Nuniachhara Ghat in Cox’s Bazar town. However, the existing jetty and terminal facilities are inadequate to handle such a large number of passengers. The area also lacks sufficient parking space.

A modern jetty at the Khurushkul section of the Bakkhali River is nearing completion. If it is inaugurated and used for ship operations, tourist transportation to Saint Martin’s could become safer and more convenient, reducing passenger suffering.

At the same time, ships could also operate from the modern jetty at Inani along the Marine Drive, as was done previously. Dividing passenger traffic between these departure points would benefit tourists and help ease pressure on existing facilities.

Akhtar Nur, General Secretary, Tour Operators Association of Cox’s Bazar (TOAC) said that Cox’s Bazar urgently needs a dedicated authority to oversee tourism-related decisions and services. Such an institution could bring all tourism services and stakeholders under a single administrative umbrella.

At present, tourism in Cox’s Bazar is like an orphaned teenager, without effective guardianship. Different groups are engaged in competing for control, while the existing Beach Management Committee has no visible or effective activities.

As a result, the beach has lost much of its appeal, with erosion, haphazard roadside and beachside stalls, unauthorised vendors and widespread disorder. Establishing a dedicated tourism authority has therefore become essential to ensure proper management, protect the beach environment and restore Cox’s Bazar as an attractive tourist destination.