Bangladesh

Government reviews Saint Martin’s visitor limits and tourism season

The government will review Saint Martin’s tourism season, visitor cap and vessel departure arrangements ahead of the next season. Environmental protection and travel safety will guide the decision. Existing conservation restrictions remain in place while ministries and agencies assess possible changes.

Bengal Brief · 13 October 2026 · 1 min read

From 14 October 2026 — Daily Brief

The government will reconsider the length of Saint Martin’s tourism season, the number of daily visitors and the departure points for tourist vessels before announcing arrangements for the coming season.

Environment Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo set out the review at an inter-ministerial meeting on 12 October, with further details reported on 13 October. He said decisions must take account of biodiversity, safety, transport and the island’s capacity to support visitors.

The existing framework allows daytime visits in November, with overnight stays during December and January and an average ceiling of 2,000 visitors a day. Tourism is scheduled to resume on 1 November after the closure that began in February.

Authorities will examine waste management, drinking-water availability and pressure on marine ecosystems. Existing restrictions protecting turtles, birds and coral will remain while the review proceeds.

State Minister Shaikh Faridul Islam called for QR-code tickets and travel passes through recognised portals. He also urged visitors to avoid polythene and single-use plastics.

The meeting did not announce a revised visitor quota or a longer season. Those arrangements will require a subsequent government decision.

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