Saint Martin Welcomes Tourists Back
After months of enforced closure, Saint Martin reopens to tourists from 1 November 2025, marking a new chapter for Bangladesh’s only coral island. The government has decided to resume tourism on a controlled basis, allowing visitors to return for a limited four-month period. The move comes with strict regulations, environmental safeguards, and a renewed focus on sustainable tourism.
Why Saint Martin Was Closed & the Reopening Plan
Earlier in 2025, a nine-month restriction was imposed on tourism activities in Saint Martin to protect the fragile coral ecosystems and allow ecological restoration. The closure began on 1 February, and all tourist movement—including overnight stays—was halted until November.
With the reopening, authorities have outlined a plan to operate under controlled conditions. From 1 November, only 2,000 tourists per day will be allowed to visit the island, and entry will be strictly through an online registration system. For the first two months, tourism will be limited to daytime visits only; overnight stays or lodging will be permitted only in the later two months. The reopening period is planned to extend until February 2026, covering those four months.
Tourism Minister Muhammad Faruk Khan told the media, “We are reopening Saint Martin in a controlled way to balance the needs of nature and the economy. Tourism is important, but so is protecting our coral and marine resources. This time, the rules will be strict, and visitors must follow them.”
Regulations & Environmental Safeguards
To ensure that Saint Martin reopens without jeopardizing its ecology, multiple ministries are coordinating on strict oversight. The Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change are jointly responsible for managing visitor influx, regulating boat operations, and protecting biodiversity.
A digital tourist registration system is being finalized to manage the daily cap and to pre-register visitors before they travel. Officials have emphasized that only registered visitors will be permitted, helping prevent overcrowding.
The reopening follows months of reports that controlled tourism had already improved the island’s ecology, particularly coral health and natural recovery of marine life. Environmentalists had long lobbied for a sustainable approach, and authorities assert that this phased reopening is a measured response.
One environmental activist welcomed the move, saying, “Saint Martin is a jewel of Bangladesh, but years of unregulated tourism damaged its corals and marine life. If the reopening is done properly, this could be a turning point toward sustainable tourism.”
What Tourists Can Expect
Visitors arriving after Saint Martin reopens will find a more regulated experience. Facilities such as walkways, viewing platforms, and designated zones may be better maintained. Because visits are restricted by time and number, tourists may enjoy a less crowded, more serene environment.
For the initial phase, visitors will likely only be allowed for day visits, which means boat-services will ferry tourists out in the morning and bring them back by evening. In the later months, overnight stays will gradually resume, but under supervision and with stricter rules around lodging, waste management, and visitor behavior.
Local resident Abdul Karim, who runs a small food stall on the island, expressed relief: “The closure was very hard on us. Our income stopped, and many families suffered. We are happy that tourists will return, but we also want the island to stay beautiful. If the rules are followed, both nature and people will benefit.”
Online registration must be completed prior to travel—those who do not register may be denied access. Tourist operators and boat services will likely need permits. Also expected are guidelines on prohibited activities (e.g. littering, walking on reefs, unsupervised snorkeling) designed to protect the coral ecosystem. The overall experience is intended to balance tourism and conservation more carefully than before.
Significance & Economic Impact
The reopening is important not only for tourists but also for the local community. Many local businesses, boat operators, guesthouses, and vendors have suffered during the closure. Saint Martin reopens brings hope for economic revival and job recovery in the island’s service and tourism sectors.
Because Saint Martin is Bangladesh’s only coral island, it has both ecological and touristic value. Its reopening signals that the government is recognizing both the need for conservation and the livelihoods tied to tourism. The controlled reopening could serve as a model for eco-tourism in other sensitive zones in Bangladesh.
Risks & Challenges Ahead
While Saint Martin reopens is a hopeful step, it carries risks. If visitor controls fail, ecological damage could recur—overcrowding, coral destruction, waste accumulation, and degradation of marine habitat. Hence, enforcement will be key.
Another challenge is ensuring equitable benefit-sharing among local stakeholders. Boat operators, guesthouses, and other service providers must be regulated so that they follow sustainable business practices.
Logistics also pose challenges: ensuring that boat services, waste disposal, fresh water, sanitation, and emergency services are scaled properly under the new visitation limits.
Finally, maintaining visitor discipline will be essential. Tourists must respect rules, avoid reef walking or damaging coral, and follow guidelines. Education and awareness will be critical to ensure that reopening does not become a regression.
Looking Ahead
With Saint Martin reopens from 1 November, Bangladesh embarks on a cautious but optimistic path forward. The four-month reopening window provides an opportunity to test sustainable tourism strategies. If well managed, this model may become a blueprint for reopening other environmentally delicate destinations in the country.
Authorities must monitor visitor impact, coral health, waste levels, and adjust policies dynamically. Data from this reopening will guide future tourism seasons. Should this phase prove successful, the model could extend beyond February and gradually increase capacity while protecting nature.