VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The number of people visiting Comino’s Blue Lagoon fell sharply this summer following the introduction of a booking system aimed at reducing overcrowding.
Known for its crystal-clear waters and dramatic cliffs, the Blue Lagoon is one of Malta’s most iconic destinations, popular with both locals seeking day trips and tourists arriving by boat from Malta and Gozo.
Figures from the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) show that the maximum number of registered visitors at one time in July and August was around 3,800 — a 68% drop compared to last year, when the bay saw peaks of 12,000 people at once.
On average, about 2,000 visitors accessed the lagoon during each of the three available time slots: morning, afternoon, or evening. The 3,000 threshold was exceeded 34 times, equal to nearly 18% of all allocated periods.
Launched in May, the booking system caps the number of visitors at 4,000 per slot. The MTA said the measure has eased pressure on the Natura 2000 site, while improving the visitor experience.
Other steps included extending the swimming zone, adding more lifeguards and police officers, and increasing waste collection.
A private firm has also been tasked with drafting a long-term ecological rehabilitation plan for Comino, with proposals expected to go to public consultation soon.
Tourism Minister Ian Borg described the changes as “the first important steps” towards safeguarding the bay. MTA chief executive Carlo Micallef said the system balances environmental protection with tourism enjoyment.
– photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS).
