Saint Martin Island Kicks Off its Tourist Season with their New Regulations, Sustainability Efforts and Visitor Caps to Ensure a Sustainable Tourism Growth

Published on December 1, 2025

Today, three passenger vessels, carrying 1,174 holidaymakers from Cox’s Bazar to the island, officially marked the beginning of the 2025 tourist season in Bangladesh’s only coral island, Saint Martin Island. The vessels set off from the Nuniachhara BIWTA jetty between 7:00 and 8:00 am and are expected to reach the island by 12:30-1:00 pm, signaling the opening of a season that will aim for increased tourism paired with environmental sustainability. The authorities have set a daily visitor cap at 2,000 people to manage the increasing tourist load, hence not causing any threat to the island’s fragile ecosystems or straining the island’s infrastructure.

New Regulations and Online Registration for Better Visitor Control

On the opening day, the vessel Keari Sindabad was fined Taka 50,000 for selling tickets without online registration, highlighting the government’s focus on regulated tourism. The mandatory online registration system is designed to monitor tourist arrivals and ensure that no more than the set daily limit of 2,000 tourists is exceeded. This approach to tourism management aims to strike a balance between growth and sustainability, creating a long-term framework for responsible tourism on the island.

These regulations also ensure that visitors enjoy a high-quality experience without overburdening the island’s local resources or negatively impacting the environment. The authorities are committed to improving tourism infrastructure, enhancing safety measures, and minimizing waste to protect Saint Martin’s unique coral reefs and marine biodiversity.

Promoting Sustainability: Reducing Plastic Waste on Saint Martin Island

One of the key sustainability initiatives for the 2025 season is the distribution of aluminium water bottles to every tourist before boarding the vessels. This is part of the Department of Environment’s (DoE) ongoing efforts to reduce single-use plastics on the island, which are a major concern for its fragile ecosystem. By encouraging the use of reusable bottles, the government aims to reduce plastic waste and promote eco-friendly tourism practices.

This initiative aligns with the broader goal of environmental preservation, which is becoming a critical factor in tourism development globally. As eco-tourism continues to grow, Saint Martin Island’s commitment to sustainable practices will ensure that it remains a popular yet protected destination for travelers who are increasingly prioritizing sustainability in their travel choices.

Strengthening Tourism Management for Long-Term Growth

The strict surveillance measures enforced by the district administration are designed to ensure that the 2,000-visitor limit is respected. Neelufa Yasmin Chowdhury, Cox’s Bazar Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer, confirmed that the monitoring committee is in place to regulate visitor numbers and ensure that the tourism experience is not only safe but also environmentally responsible. The digital registration system enables authorities to track tourist flows and ensure sustainable tourism practices.

This focus on visitor management is crucial for the future sustainability of Saint Martin Island. By regulating the number of visitors, the government is laying the foundation for long-term tourism growth that benefits both the local economy and the island’s natural environment.

Future Impact: Enhancing Tourism Infrastructure and Regional Economic Growth

The helicopter fare reduction in Sikkim and similar initiatives in Saint Martin Island reflect the increasing importance of infrastructure development to support tourism growth. For Saint Martin Island, the reduced visitor numbers and increased tourism infrastructure will have significant long-term benefits for the local economy. By attracting more tourists through enhanced accessibility and sustainable tourism initiatives, the island can generate more revenue for local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and tour operators.

Additionally, the development of eco-friendly tourism services can create job opportunities for local communities, supporting both tourism-related businesses and sustainable development projects. As tourism expands, the region will benefit from greater investment in infrastructure, creating a resilient tourism ecosystem that can support the growing number of visitors without overburdening the island’s resources.

Building a Long-Term Sustainable Tourism Model

The strategies introduced for Saint Martin Island serve as a blueprint for sustainable tourism in Bangladesh. The government’s focus on eco-tourism, strict visitor management, and sustainability will allow the island to continue thriving as a top travel destination. By emphasizing responsible travel practices, Saint Martin Island is setting an example for other popular tourist spots in Bangladesh and Southeast Asia to follow.

The reduced helicopter fares, improved transportation, and baggage policies reflect the broader effort to make the island more accessible while preserving its natural beauty and cultural heritage. This model of sustainable tourism management can be replicated across other destinations in the country, helping to ensure that Bangladesh develops a tourism industry that is both economically viable and environmentally responsible.

A Sustainable Future for Saint Martin Island’s Tourism Industry

The 2025 tourist season on Saint Martin Island ushers in a new era of sustainable tourism, with strict regulations, eco-friendly initiatives, and infrastructure improvements that will eventually provide a well-balanced tourism experience for the benefit of both the local communities and the tourists. As more visitors flock to the island, Saint Martin Island will remain an outstanding example of responsible tourism being compatible with economic growth and protection of the environment.

With government initiatives and community involvement, the island will continue into the future as a premium tourism destination, allowing visitors to experience its beautiful beaches, coral reefs, and culture while aiding in its long-term sustainability. In this respect, Saint Martin Island will be well on its way to becoming one of Bangladesh’s most iconic and eco-friendly tourism hubs, luring globe-trotters from around the world in search of genuine, sustainable, and memorable journeys.