Government has run into a roadblock with regard to its controversial online booking system for access to Comino’s Blue Lagoon. The system has been suspended just two days after its launch, following a court decision prompted by boat operators.
On Saturday, the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) announced that Team Blue Lagoon — a group of ministries, public authorities, and entities managing the site — has temporarily halted the system after boat operators filed a court decree opposing it. The court upheld the request, pausing the system until the case is heard.
Despite the suspension, the authorities reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring sustainable, safe, and well-managed operations at the Blue Lagoon. They stressed their focus on safeguarding both visitors’ wellbeing and the long-term preservation of one of the Mediterranean’s most scenic coastal sites throughout the legal process. Whether that is going to happen is open to interpretation.
Controversial online booking system brings mixed reactions
The online booking system was launched earlier this week to limit visitor numbers and reduce environmental pressure on Comino’s Blue Lagoon. The system set a cap of 4,000 visitors at any one time, with three daily time slots available: 8am–1pm, 1.30pm–5.30pm, and 6pm–10pm. Visitors who booked received a QR code and a wristband granting access for their chosen time slot.
On its first day, the system processed bookings for 4,800 visitors, who presented their QR codes and were issued wristbands at the site’s three entry points.
The Malta Tourism Authority clarified that ferry services to Comino will continue as normal despite the suspension of the booking system.
The initiative to limit visitor numbers was first announced by Foreign and Tourism Minister Ian Borg earlier this year. However, the booking system drew criticism. Nationalist Party MP Alex Borg argued that Maltese citizens should not be required to book to visit the Blue Lagoon. Activist group Moviment Graffitti claimed the system was flawed and failed to address the root causes of the island’s overexploitation.
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