Dhaka, Dec. 1 -- Tourism officially resumed on St Martin's Island on December 1 after months of restrictions, with three cruise ships transporting 1,174 travelers from Cox's Bazar on the opening day.

The vessels departed the Nuniachhara BIWTA jetty between 7:00 am and 8:00 am following strict screening by the district administration, Department of Environment and Tourist Police to ensure compliance with the government's 12-point conservation guideline.

According to Hossainul Islam Bahadur, General Secretary of the Sea Cruise Owners Association of Bangladesh, six ships were authorized to sail this season, but only half operated on the first day. Although the government has capped daily arrivals at 2,000 tourists, turnout remained lower d...