Staff Reporter:
The recent restriction on tourists travelling to the St Martin’s Island will not negatively impact the area’s tourism industry, said Aviation and Tourism Adviser AF Hassan Ariff on Friday.
Speaking at the “Asia International Trade Fair” at Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center, Ariff responded to concerns raised by journalists about the restrictions.
He explained that controlling tourist numbers is a common practice in many countries to preserve the environment and ensure sustainability at popular tourist destinations.
“St Martin’s is the only coral island in Bangladesh, and like any other tourist spot, it has a specific capacity,” he said.
“Imagine a 10-bed hotel trying to accommodate 30 guests—everything would be chaotic, from the washrooms to the kitchens. Similarly, the island has already suffered due to overcrowding. Limiting the number of visitors will help prevent further damage,” he added.
Ariff highlighted that the excessive number of tourists, along with the rise in plastic waste, has taken a toll on the island’s corals, which are now at a critical stage.
He assured that the government is committed to preserving the island by investing in renovation efforts and imposing limits on tourist numbers to ensure the island’s long-term viability.
The move is part of a broader effort to balance tourism growth with environmental sustainability, ensuring that St Martin’s remains a vibrant destination for future generations.
In response to a question about the potential compensation for affected businessmen, Hassan Ariff suggested that those involved in tourism operations should conduct a survey to assess the island’s capacity before bringing in tourists.
He emphasised that simply bringing large groups without considering the island’s limits would not contribute to sustainable tourism. “Just as playing loud music isn’t entertainment, gathering a group and using a microphone isn’t proper tourism,” he said.
