Dhaka:Tourism stakeholders have called for enhanced environmental management on St Martin's Island to accommodate more visitors sustainably, highlighting the need for technological monitoring, stricter regulations, and responsible tourism practices to preserve the island's unique coral ecosystem.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the stakeholders voiced their concerns at a seminar titled "Tourism and the Environment on St Martin's Island The Reality," held during the Bangladesh Travel and Tourism Fair (BTTF) 2026 at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in Agargaon. Organized by the Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh (TOAB), the seminar underscored the importance of balancing environmental conservation with tourism growth, employment generation, and local economic development.
Speakers at the seminar pointed out that the government's decision to allow up to 3,500 tourists daily from November to March presents an opportunity to showcase how improved environmental management can support sustainable tourism. Researcher Faruk Hasan, presenting the keynote paper, noted that restrictions on tourist arrivals have negatively impacted tourism businesses and local livelihoods despite the island's significant economic potential.
Hasan cited several international island destinations, such as those in the Maldives and Italy, as examples where tourism has flourished under strict environmental regulations, technological monitoring, and responsible visitor management. He recommended enforcing environmental regulations, imposing financial penalties for violations, and requiring tourists to sign written undertakings detailing permitted and prohibited activities.
Department of Environment Additional Director General Muhammad Solaiman Haider emphasized the necessity of protecting St Martin's biodiversity for sustaining tourism. He referenced research indicating the island's current capacity is insufficient for more than 1,000 visitors, though the government has set a limit of 3,500 tourists daily for the upcoming season. Haider suggested that if tourism stakeholders manage the permitted number effectively without environmental harm, future increases could be considered.
Discussants at the seminar recommended deploying artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and digital monitoring systems to regulate visitor numbers, communicate environmental guidelines, and ensure compliance. They also called for better sewage and waste management, the effective use of the island's waste-based power plant, and measures to prevent vessels from discharging used engine oil into the sea.
The seminar, chaired by TOAB First Vice President Md Moinul Islam and moderated by former TOAB President Shiblul Azam Qureshi, featured contributions from Dhaka University professors Dr. Kazi Matin Uddin Ahmed and Dr. Santosh Kumar Deb, and Daffodil International University Associate Professor Dr. Mahfuza Parveen.
Meanwhile, the BTTF continues to attract visitors exploring tourism products and services, with partner countries Malaysia, Pakistan, the Philippines, and Nepal participating, and US-Bangla Airlines as the title sponsor. The fair, focused on "AI Powered Tourism, Sustainable Destination," will conclude on October 31, promoting sustainable tourism, technological innovation, and international business cooperation.