Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh (TOAB), the apex tourism association of Bangladesh on Thursday staged protest against the government's restrictions on St. Martin and demanded lifting the ban on travel to hill tracts.
The organization also demanded canceling the bond mentioned in the rules of the Tour Operator and Tour Guide Act and removing various anomalies as well as withdrawing VAT on tour operator services.
The demands were made at a press conference held at the National Press Club of Dhaka.
TOAB President Md. Rafeuzzaman , while addressing, said that despite our strong objections, the government has decided to limit overnight stays and tourist travel in St. Martin. According to the government, no tourists can spend the night in Saint Martin in November.
He said during the months of December and January, a maximum of two thousand tourists can travel to St. Martin and stay overnight. In February, the government will stop tourist traffic in St. Martin for cleaning. Due to this, the tourism industry will suffer a lot and the entrepreneurs will suffer a huge financial loss. “About 10,000 people live in Saint Martin depend on tourism. If tourism stops in St. Martin, they will all be out of a job. Along with that, the financial investment of entrepreneurs will now be at risk. Not only this, tourism is also suffering due to travel restrictions in the hill tracks”, he added.
Rafee said the new gazette regarding registration of tour operators has mentioned some terms and conditions which are very difficult for us to comply with. The tourism industry will suffer if the restrictions and policies mentioned in the gazette are implemented.
Immediate Past President of TOAB and Chairman of Saint Martin Island Environment and Tourism Protection Committee Shiblul Azam Koreshi, said that sustainable tourism development must be ensured by protecting the environment and biodiversity and dealing with the adverse effects of tourism.
Directors of TOAB, Founding President of TRIAB, Leaders of Tour Operators Association of Cox's Bazar, Leaders of St. Martin Island Environment and Tourism Protection and Development Committee, Leaders of St. Martin Shop Owners Association, St. Martin Leaders of Hotel Owners Association also took part on the occasion among others.
