St. Martins opens its doors on Saturday, but owners will not operate the ship

Staff Correspondent

After a long closure of 9 months, the country’s only coral island, St. Martins, is being opened for tourists from Saturday, November 1. The plan was that two ships named ‘Karnaphuli Express’ and ‘Bar-Auliya’ would take tourists to the island from the BIWTA Ghat in Nuniachara, Cox’s Bazar town. But at the last minute, the owners have backed out of this decision.

As a result, no ships will sail to St. Martin’s from November 1st.

Hossain Islam Bahadur, general secretary of the Sea Cruise Operator Owners Association of Bangladesh, said, “The tourism board’s software has not been launched yet. Again, tourists will not be available on the same day. For this reason, no ship will go to St. Martins from November 1.”

He also said that preparations are being made to launch the ship in December and January. According to the decision of the Department of Environment, the island is closed to tourists from February to October every year to protect the biodiversity of St. Martins. The same rule has been followed this time too.

But the ship owners’ announcement has added to the excitement of traveling to St. Martins. Local tourists and businessmen are giving mixed reactions. One tourist said, “I was happy to hear the news of the opening after so much waiting, but what will I do if the ship doesn’t run?”

On the other hand, local hotel owners say preparations are underway for the December tourist season.

St. Martins Union Parishad Chairman Mujibur Rahman said that the livelihood of more than 10,000 people on the island depends on tourism. If the ships are not allowed to operate, the local economy will be affected. However, they support this decision in terms of protecting the environment.

Sources in the Ministry of Tourism said that special measures will be taken for the upcoming December season so that tourists can reach the island more easily. Lakhs of tourists flock here every year, attracted by the blue waters, white sandy beaches and natural beauty of St. Martin’s coral reefs. It is hoped that everything will return to normal in the upcoming season.