The recent government-imposed restrictions on tourist access to St Martin's Island in Cox's Bazar will not negatively impact tourism, said AF Hassan Ariff, adviser on Civil Aviation, Tourism, and Land Affairs.
Speaking at the Asia International Trade Fair held at the Bangabandhu International Conference Center in Dhaka on Friday, Hassan Ariff explained that limiting visitors is essential to protect the island’s fragile ecosystem.
“Many countries regulate visitor numbers at tourist destinations to maintain their natural balance,” he said. “St Martin’s is Bangladesh’s only coral island, and overcrowding has severely damaged its corals due to excessive plastic use. Limiting tourist numbers will allow the government to invest in restoring the island’s ecosystem.”
He highlighted the importance of preserving the island’s capacity, saying: “Every ecosystem has its limits. Overcrowding damages facilities and disrupts the environment. For instance, if a 10-bed hotel hosts 30 guests, everything—washrooms, kitchens, and bedrooms—becomes unmanageable. Similar overcrowding on St. Martin’s has caused significant harm, and restrictions will help maintain its ecological balance.”
He also stressed the need for tour operators to plan responsibly, adding: “Tour operators should assess how many tourists the island can accommodate before organizing trips. Tourism does not mean large groups blasting loud music—it should be a sustainable and enjoyable experience.”
