Dhaka, Jan. 31 -- All tourist vessels to Saint Martin's Island will cease operations from January 31, with the government prohibiting travel to the country's only coral island from February to October.

The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change has limited tourist visits to just three months-November, December, and January-this year, citing environmental concerns.

The decision has raised concerns among local tourism businesses, which typically operate from October to March.

Business owners are urging authorities to extend the season until the end of February to reduce financial losses, local media reports.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from The Financial Express....