Saint Martin's visit duration, tourist limit to be reviewed: minister

The government will review the duration of tourist visits to Saint Martin's Island, the number of visitors allowed and the departure point for tourist vessels, Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo said on today (12 October).

He said tourism on the island must be managed in a way that protects its natural environment and biodiversity, taking into account its carrying capacity, waste management, the availability of safe drinking water and the impact of tourism on the marine ecosystem.

Further decisions on tourism management will be taken after considering the opinions of relevant ministries and agencies, as well as environmental conservation, tourist safety and transport management, the minister said.

He made the remarks while chairing an inter-ministerial meeting on tourist visits to Saint Martin's Island at the conference room of his ministry.

State Minister Shaikh Faridul Islam stressed purchasing travel passes and tickets containing QR codes through web portals recognised by the Bangladesh Tourism Board and following environmental conservation guidelines.

He also emphasised prohibiting the carrying of polythene to the island, discouraging single-use plastics and encouraging tourists to bring their own water flasks.

Existing restrictions aimed at protecting the island's biodiversity, including marine turtles, birds and coral, will remain in force.

Cox's Bazar-4 MP Shahjahan Chowdhury and Dhaka-14 MP Mir Ahmad Bin Quasem attended the meeting.

Acting Environment, Forest and Climate Change Secretary Dr Fahmida Khanom, Additional Secretary Mohammad Navid Safiullah, Department of Shipping Director General Commodore Md Shafiul Bari, and representatives of relevant ministries, divisions, agencies, tourism businesses and environmental organisations were also present.

Representatives of the local administration and tourism businesses concerned joined the meeting virtually.