Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1535957
FOR years, Comino's Blue Lagoon has been a victim of its own mes- merising beauty. In the peak sum- mer months of 2024, up to 12,000 visitors crowded its shores at any one time, endangering the envi- ronment and downgrading visitor experience. The unchecked influx of visi- tors has led to acute overcrowd- ing, waste problems, and severe pressure on marine and coastal habitats. It is a scenario that is un- sustainable and detrimental to the natural beauty that attracts visi- tors in the first place. The new system, branded 'Book. Protect. Enjoy' is more than just a booking mechanism—it is a com- prehensive strategy to balance ac- cess and conservation. By capping the number of visi- tors at 4,000 at any one time, we are actively ensuring that the la- goon's fragile ecosystems and its pristine ambiance are protected from unchecked activity. We are not re-inventing the wheel. Many countries worldwide are implementing similar systems to manage visitor numbers, pro- tect natural habitats, and provide a more enjoyable, less crowded experience to all. Spain's Cíes Is- lands cap visitor numbers and is- sue QR codes for access; and the Galápagos Islands mandate Tran- sit Control Cards to preserve its unique biodiversity. Closer to home, similar restric- tions are being applied at beaches in Sicily, Lampedusa and Sardinia. These initiatives prove that re- sponsible and sustainable tourism is the way forward; a key objective of MTA's tourism strategy for the years to come. This initiative is a collective effort. Team Blue Lagoon is spearhead- ed by the Malta Tourism Au- thority, in collaboration with the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, the Ministry for Gozo and Planning, Transport Malta, ERA, and other key stakeholders. Together, we are implementing a series of measures designed to el- evate the visitor experience while minimising environmental im- pact. Visitors can expect improved cleaning services, better waste manage- ment, increased sanitary facilities, and better coordination between enforcement authorities, to en- sure strict compliance with new and pre-existing regulations. Alongside the digital booking system, we have also introduced safer, extended swimming zones, giving visitors more space to enjoy the crystal-clear waters of the Blue Lagoon. In a world increasingly driven by experiential travel, responsi- ble tourism is not just a moral obligation. It is the modern trav- eller's deep-rooted expectation. A controlled, well-managed Blue Lagoon will not only preserve the area's unique beauty but also enhance the quality of the visitor experience, attracting a more con- scientious enjoyment by both res- idents and tourists. Moreover, the booking system is simple, completely free of charge, and accessible to all. By visiting bluelagooncomino.mt, visitors can select from three daily time slots, receive a QR code, and then get a wristband before accessing the Blue Lagoon area. Visitors can also book more than one slot, sub- ject to availability. This initiative is just the begin- ning. Over the next two years, we will continue to roll out additional actions to rehabilitate and pro- tect Blue Lagoon's natural hab- itats. Stakeholder consultations on long-term solutions will soon commence, ensuring that our ef- forts are aligned with the best in- terests of both the environment and the community. Malta's future as a leading tourist destination depends on our ability to protect our natural treasures while offering unforgettable expe- riences, to visitors and residents alike. The 'Book. Protect. Enjoy' system at Blue Lagoon is a decisive step in this direction—a commit- ment to sustainable tourism that will define our legacy for genera- tions to come. maltatoday | SUNDAY • 1 JUNE 2025 8 OPINION Carlo Micallef, Chief Executive Officer of the Malta Tourism Authority Protecting the Blue Lagoon: A bold step towards sustainable tourism Carlo Micallef