Tourists will be allowed to visit Saint Martin鈥檚 Island only during the daytime in November, while overnight stays will be permitted in December and January.
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, in a notification issued on Wednesday, announced 12 new directives for visiting the island to help preserve its environment and biodiversity, as the island is set to reopen for travellers from November 1.
Tourist travel to the island will be completely banned in February, said a press release issued by environment ministry.聽
According to the new directives, no more than 2,000 tourists will be allowed to visit the island on average per day.
Travellers must purchase online tickets with a travel pass and QR code through web portals authorised by the Bangladesh Tourism Board.聽
The directives also state that the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority cannot permit any vessel to operate to Saint Martin鈥檚 Island without prior approval from the environment ministry.
To preserve the island鈥檚 ecosystem, lighting, loud music, hosting barbecue parties on the beach at night, and the use of motorised vehicles, including motorcycles and sea bikes on the beach have been prohibited.
Entry into the Keya forest, collecting or trading Keya fruits, and harming marine turtles, birds, corals, mud crabs, shells, or any other form of biodiversity have also been strictly banned.
Carrying banned polythene is not permitted, and visitors are discouraged from bringing single-use plastic items such as chip packets, plastic spoons, straws, mini soap or shampoo packs, and 500ml or one-litre plastic bottles.
Tourists have been advised to carry reusable water flasks instead.
The government hopes that the new measures will help protect Island鈥檚 delicate environment and unique biodiversity, turning it into a model for responsible and eco-friendly tourism in Bangladesh, said the release.
