Tourist Travel to Saint Martin’s Island Suspended from Today

Cox’s Bazar, Feb 1 — Tourist travel to the coral-rich Saint Martin’s Island off the coast of Teknaf has been suspended from Sunday, following a government decision aimed at environmental conservation. With the suspension of all tourist-carrying vessels, island residents are now facing at least nine months of economic uncertainty.
Saturday marked the final day of the current tourism season, with ferries making their last trips carrying visitors to and from the island. From Sunday onward, no tourist vessels will be allowed to operate on the Teknaf–Saint Martin’s route until further notice.
According to local authorities, the decision aligns with government directives to protect the fragile ecosystem of Bangladesh’s only coral island. However, the move has raised serious concerns among local residents whose livelihoods depend almost entirely on tourism.
Tourist Season Cut Short
Traditionally, Saint Martin’s Island remains open to tourists from October 1 to March 31 each year. This season, however, the government shortened the timeframe, allowing tourist visits only from November to January. In addition, overnight stays were prohibited throughout November.
Local residents claim that the shortened season significantly reduced their earnings, even during peak months, and the prolonged closure could push many families into financial distress.
120,000 Tourists, But Little Profit
Despite an estimated 120,000 tourists visiting the island this season—an average of around 2,000 visitors per day—local business owners say revenues were far below expectations.
“Most businesses have incurred losses rather than profits this season,” said MA Abdur Rahman, president of the Saint Martin’s Hotel, Motel and Resort Owners’ Association. “If tourism resumes after the election period, we may recover some of the losses. Otherwise, people here will suffer immensely.”
Cottage owner Md Jahangir Alam alleged that syndicates involving vessel operators and outside investors dominated the business, leaving locals marginalized. “Government restrictions have hit local people the hardest,” he said.
Livelihood Crisis Looms
For many residents, tourism is the primary source of income. Rickshaw puller Nur Azim said he took loans to purchase his vehicle but failed to recover the costs during the season. “Now tourists are gone, and I have to return to fishing. I don’t know how I will repay my debts,” he said.
Business owners have urged the government to consider extending tourist access at least until February on humanitarian grounds.
Saint Martin’s Union Parishad Chairman Foyezul Islam echoed the concern, stating that nearly all island residents are directly or indirectly dependent on tourism. “If the season were extended even slightly, surviving the next nine months would be easier,” he said.
Strict Environmental Rules Remain in Force
Under the government gazette, tourists were allowed only daytime visits in November, while overnight stays were permitted in December and January. All vessels operating on the route require approval from the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
Additional restrictions include bans on beach lighting at night, loud music, barbecues, motorized vehicles on the beach, and the use of single-use plastics. Activities that harm marine life—such as collecting corals, shells, turtles, or birds—are strictly prohibited.
Travel Opportunities Shrinking
Just three years ago, up to 9–11 vessels carried 5,000–6,000 tourists daily to Saint Martin’s Island. However, regional security concerns—including conflict in Myanmar’s Rakhine State, attacks on Bangladeshi boats, and kidnappings in the Naf River—have significantly reduced travel opportunities on the route.
As the island enters a long off-season, residents fear that environmental protection measures, while necessary, may come at a heavy human cost unless alternative livelihood support is provided.