Saint Martin’s island is arguably the most beautiful tourist spot in Bangladesh and the most popular as well. Full of scenic beauty, it also has unexplored possibilities for the development of a blue economy.
These possibilities lie within the sea, oceanic resources and among the local people of this coral island.
The jargon ‘Blue Economy’ refers to the long-term utilisation of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and jobs while maintaining the ecosystem's health.
Deep-sea fishing, shipbuilding yards, shipbreaking, tourism, fish processing, and other topics are frequently discussed in this regard. The necessity of tourist guides is one such unexplored area that can strengthen St Martin's tourism economy.
The need for tourist guides
Saint Martin has an area of only 8 square kilometres, which is the only coral island in Bangladesh. Even though it is one of the most popular tourist destinations, it lacks the organised services that travellers expect.
The absence of professional tourist guides is the cause behind this as visitors face hurdles upon reaching St. Martin.
Atikul Islam, a freelance writer who recently graduated from Rajshahi University, shared his experience of visiting St. Martin with this writer.
“As a first-time traveller to Saint Martin, I was ecstatic to tour the island and participate in the activities provided. However, I struggled to find any leisure activities as the locals could hardly provide information about recreational activities' availability."
The information asymmetry issue can drive down the tourism sector in St. Martin. It is more exhausting than enjoyable for a tourist to have to make all of the preparations on their own.
However, the presence of a trained tourist guide could help to mitigate the problem of this disorganised facility, as a guide would be familiar with all the recreational activities offered.
They would also have enough acquaintances to put together various arrangements which would not only relieve the stress on these travellers but also help the locals increase their income.
Development of the blue economy
The Blue Economy approach emphasises that ideas, principles, and norms contribute significantly to poverty eradication, food and nutrition security, climate change mitigation and adaptation, and the creation of sustainable and inclusive livelihoods.
As a result, the Blue Economy necessitates a balanced approach to the conservation, development, and utilisation of marine and coastal ecosystems.
Dr A.K. Enamul Haque, Professor of Economics and Dean, Faculty of Business and Economics at East West University, and director of the Asian Center for Development, further elaborated on the current situation in St. Martin, with an unorganised tourism facility that may soon hinder the development of tourism there.
He explained, “Where the threat of climate change is becoming an alarming concern, a professional tourist guide can assist visitors to reduce their footprint on the island and at the same time have a pleasant and enjoyable voyage. This will also help educate them about environmental deterioration.”
If tourist guides are required upon the arrival of tourists in St. Martin, this will ensure a healthy eco-system and aid to regulate the environment.
Tourist guides might be mandated from resorts or cottages for tourists, and payment could be included in the services given by these resorts, and tourists would gradually become accustomed to the necessity for a guide for their island journey.
Similarly, the waste generated by the tourists can also be cleaned by the local government if they also introduce a local entry fee, suggested Dr Haque.
Tourists with different preferences
Another crucial point is that not all tourists come for vacation or refreshment; many come for research or academic purposes, and they will need a guide to tell them about the historical and cultural significance of the area.
Given the scenario, it is important to train guides who can understand the needs of tourists. It is highly needed because they can convey the right information in the correct manner to these different groups of tourists. This will reduce the information asymmetry issue for the tourists who usually come to St. Martin for the first time.
A small island such as Saint Martin, which is already listed as an ‘Ecologically Critical Area’ (ECA), is in dire need of a well-organised tourism industry which won’t endanger its biodiversity and coral reserve. A well-trained and educated tourist guide can be a crucial element of it.
