Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1539150
THE number of visitors to the Blue Lagoon in Comino has de- creased significantly this sum- mer, after the introduction of the new booking system. IN a statement, the Malta Tour- ism Authority (MTA) said that between July and August around 3,800 persons visited the Blue La- goon, a decreased of 68% when compared to last year when 12,00 persons visited the location. "The average number of visitors at the Blue Lagoon at each of the three daily time slots of the new booking system introduced this summer is 1,979. Only 34 out of 189 available time slots (morn- ing/afternoon/evening) in July and August registered more than 3,000 visitors," the authority said. The government had intro- duced a booking system for the Blue Lagoon following years of campaigning from NGOs, argu- ing that the burden put on the Natura 2000 site was too exces- sive. However, NGOs like Moviment Graffitti have said new book sys- tem doesn't go far enough; sight- ing that that vessels that funnel mass tourism do not belong in a nature reserve. The MTA said that the figures however, "confirm the positive results of the new Blue Lagoon booking system introduced in May and the reorganisation of operations spearheaded by the MTA's Team Blue Lagoon and other entities." MTA also appointed interna- tionally acclaimed architecture and design practice Mizzi Stu- dio to deliver long-term rehabil- itation proposals to preserve the site's natural beauty, while ensur- ing ecological balance and sus- tainable public access. The pro- posals, which are being discussed with stakeholders, including e-NGOs, will be open for public consultation in coming weeks." The MTA said that Team Blue Lagoon is focusing on four key objectives: Improved visitor flows through the new booking system; A safer visitor experience with a larger swimming zone; Addition- al cleansing and waste manage- ment resources; Strict enforce- ment and security throughout the site, on land and at sea. "In May, Team Blue Lagoon extended the swimming zone by 12%. Two smaller beaches in the same area were also new- ly designated as safe swimming zones. The Team also doubled the cleaning resources allocated to the area, with over 12 cleaners assigned daily to empty bins, col- lect litter, and maintain the site's showers and toilets, which were also refurbished. Waste is now transported off the Island more frequently, reducing the environ- mental impact." "Maritime operations have al- so been reorganised, with a new capitainerie managed by Trans- port Malta officers overseeing the arrival and departure of vessels to the existing landing sites." Furthermore, the authority said that Team Blue Lagoon has also strengthened on-site safety and security, with a new patrol team, more lifeguards, as well as police officers, environmental monitors and emergency personnel, the MTA said. "Enforcement tied to commercial operations was rein- forced to ensure compliance with applicable conditions." "New signage is guiding visitors to follow the site's regulations and remain on established paths, avoiding the protected garigue. Some of the paths have been up- graded to improve safety." GozoToday is a weekly newspaper focused primarily on Gozo. It hopes to serve as a source of information on business, culture, entertainment and of course current affairs. Gozo has a special charm about it but it is also a bustling Island with an identity of its own. GozoToday is published every Friday and is available to numerous outlets in Gozo and on the ferries that carry so many visitors to Gozo from Malta and beyond. GozoToday MediaToday Co. Ltd, Vjal ir-Rihan San Gwann SGN 9016 ASSISTANT EDITOR: LAURA CALLEJA Tel: (356) 21 382741-3, 21 382745-6 Website: www.maltatoday.com.mt E-mail: dailynews@mediatoday.com.mt 3 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 5 SEPTEMBER 2025 NEWS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 The Affiliate Retreat, organ- ised between 28 and 30 August, hosted 50 high-profile affiliate leaders who manage online communities, influence con- sumer journeys, and generate millions in traffic and revenue. Both events showcased Gozo's potential to attract future busi- ness ventures, with its strong digital infrastructure, quality of life, and access to national and Gozo-specific incentives. Minister Camilleri highlight- ed government investments in recent years aimed at preparing the island to attract high-value investment in digital and inno- vative sectors. He pointed to developments such as the In- novation Hub, the installation of a second fibre optic cable, and lifestyle and connectivity projects including the Gozo Sports and Aquatic Pavilion, the extension of the fast ferry service, and the ongoing air- field project. "Gozo's lifestyle, climate, natural environment, and sig- nificant economic and infra- structural advances are key to attracting this type of invest- ment," Camilleri said, adding that partnering with SiGMA was a natural step in position- ing Gozo as a global invest- ment hub. The Ministry also worked closely with Malta Enterprise and Gaming Malta, two key government entities that sup- port and guide foreign invest- ment in Malta. Camilleri thanked SiGMA, Malta Enterprise, Gaming Malta, the management of the Gozo Innovation Hub, and the InvestGozo team for their ef- forts in making the event a suc- cess, expressing confidence in securing further global invest- ment for the island. The SiGMA VIP Gozo Experience was held at the Innovation Hub in Xewkija Visitors to Blue Lagoon decreased by 68% this summer MTA said there was a 68% decrease in vistors to the Blue Lagoon this summer (Right) Ministry for Gozo Clint Camilleri