President of Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh (TOAB) Mohammed Rafiuzzaman has threatened a greater movement against any negative initiatives ahead of tourism season in the Saint Martin and Cox’s Bazar.
He said the government and ministry of environment could work together with the stakeholders of the tourism sector to protect the environment and tourism industry considering the large contribution of the sector in the economy.
TOAB President said this while speaking at a press conference as the chief guest for securing travelling of tourists in the coral island Saint Martin, held at Economic Reporters’’ Forum (ERF) Auditorium in Dhaka on Saturday.
Saint Martin Poribesh and Porjatan Okkya Unnoyan Jote organized the press conference in protest of the government's recent move to limit tourists and overnight stays on the island of Saint Martin.
“Only 4 months tourists can travel to Saint Martin from November to February in this year, on the earning of this period, the livelihood of thousands of people involved with the tourism sector in Coxs Bazar and Saint Martin would be survived,” said TOAB President Rafiuzzaman.
He emphasized necessary reform measures along with the stakeholders. As far as possible, a comprehensive policy should be formulated for the island, allowing tourism activities to be conducted in accordance with the policy.
He also said that for the remaining 8 months tourists could not travel to Saint Martin, the ministry of environment can take necessary steps to develop environmental issues during that time.
The Saint Martin Porjatan Okkya Jote gave 19 points to protect the tourism industry and the residents of the island.
In the present conference, the stakeholders of the tourism sector in the Saint Martin Island also demanded to produce a sustainable tourism policy to protect tourism and the environment with consulting the stakeholders.
There are 100 hotels and resorts in Saint Martin and around Tk1000 crore has been invested with taking all types of permission from the government entities of Cox’s Bazar.
The press conference also highlighted that the sudden decision of discouraging tourism and overnight tourism in Saint Martin will destroy the investment.
Saint Martin Poribesh and Porjatan Okkya Unnoyan chairman Shiblul Azam Qureshi, Sinbad Resort Experience and Beyond owner Habibur Rahman, TOAB director Unus Ali, St Martin Union BNP president Nurul Alam and others leader were present in the press conference.
Leaders of TOAB, Tour Operators Association of Cox's Bazar, Saint Martin Poribesh and Porjatan Okkya Unnoyan Jote, E-Tourism Association of Bangladesh (E-TAB), St. Martin Shop Owners Association, St. Martin Hotel Owners Association, among others were present in the press conference.
