The tourist season to the coral island of St. Martin’s has officially begun with the departure of the first ships. On Monday (December 1), at 7:15 am, three ships left the BIWTA jetty at Nuniachar, Cox’s Bazar, carrying nearly 1,200 tourists.
Strict supervision by the District Administration, Department of Environment, and Tourist Police ensured no overloading and restricted plastic use. As part of awareness measures, tourists were provided aluminum water bottles. District Commissioner M A Mannan, Additional District Magistrate (ADM) Md. Shahidul Alam, Cox’s Bazar Sadar UNO Nilufa Yasmin Chowdhury, and DIG Appel Mahmud of Tourist Police welcomed tourists and monitored compliance.
Passengers aboard MV Karnaphuli Express, MV Bar Aulia, and Carey Sindabad gathered at the jetty from early morning. Each tourist received an eco-friendly water bottle before boarding. Tourist Arup Hossain from Dhaka said, “It’s my first time to St. Martin’s. The trip feels exciting, and the administration’s efficiency is commendable.”
According to government guidelines, a maximum of 2,000 tourists are allowed per day on approved ships. Night stays on the island will be permitted until January 31. Tickets with QR-coded travel passes from the Bangladesh Tourism Board’s approved online platform are mandatory; unverified tickets will not be accepted.
Hosain Islam Bahadur, General Secretary of the Sea Cruise Operators Owners Association of Bangladesh, said although six ships have permission, only three departed on the first day due to tourist numbers. The return journey from St. Martin’s to Cox’s Bazar is scheduled in the afternoon. Proper night-stay duration is crucial for ship owners to cover costs, benefiting the tourism sector.
St. Martin’s Union Parishad Acting Chairman Foyezul Islam emphasized that tourism is the main livelihood for locals. Ali Haidar of SS Rahman International, responsible for jetty construction, said work will be completed in two weeks. Environmental guidelines, including banning night-time lights, loud events, entry to Kaya forest, collection of marine life, and prohibition of motorbikes and single-use plastics, will be strictly enforced. Tourists will receive aluminum bottles to reduce plastic use, according to Khondakar Mahmud Pasha, Deputy Director, Department of Environment, Cox’s Bazar.
With the reopening, St. Martin’s has regained its vibrancy, and authorities aim for responsible and sustainable tourism. Some tourists noted longer journeys due to suspension of Teknaf routes but appreciated the island’s tranquility. DC Abdul Mannan stated, “We are giving utmost importance to enforcing government rules and preserving the environment while ensuring tourists enjoy safely.”
Although St. Martin’s reopened to visitors on November 1, restrictions on night stays meant no ships operated that month. The new tourist season has now begun actively from December 1.
