Malta’s Blue Lagoon, part of Comino, one of Malta’s three sister islands, is tackling overtourism with a new booking system that has reduced visitor concentration by 68 percent.
The highest recorded concentration of visitors at the Blue Lagoon at any one time in July and August of this year was registered on the afternoon of Friday, Aug. 22, at an estimated 3,830, down by 68 percent when compared to the peaks of summer 2024. 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, and only 34 out of 189 available time slots (morning/afternoon/evening) in July and August registered more than 3,000 visitors.
These numbers underscore the success of the new Blue Lagoon booking system in tackling overtourism to the area. The system was launched in May as was the operational overhaul led by the Malta Tourism Authority’s Team Blue Lagoon in collaboration with key partners.
Last year, up to 12,000 visitors were recorded at the Blue Lagoon at any one time at peak hours. The new free online booking system introduced this year—Book. Protect. Enjoy.—allows a maximum of 4,000 visitors at any one time, marking the first ever attempt toward sustainable management of the area.
Established earlier this year, 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
▪ Additional cleansing and waste management resources
▪ Strict enforcement and security throughout the site, on land and at sea
In May, Team Blue Lagoon extended the swimming zone by 12 percent. Two smaller beaches in the same area were also newly 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, collect litter and maintain the site’s showers and toilets, which were also refurbished. Waste is now transported off the island more frequently, reducing the environmental impact.
Team Blue Lagoon has also strengthened onsite safety and security, with a new patrol team, more lifeguards, as well as police officers, environmental monitors and emergency personnel. 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 upgraded to improve safety.
“Team Blue Lagoon’s efforts this summer are the first tangible drive to improve the sustainability of operations at this national gem and Natura 2000 site. The results are encouraging—a vital first step towards long-term and sustained rehabilitation as well as a better visitor experience,” said Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Hon Ian Borg in a media statement. “Let me be clear, this is just the beginning. We will continue analyzing the data and review the next potential steps. The Blue Lagoon is a very small site, placing physical limitations on the level of activity it can host, particularly on land. Consequently, its popularity means that it is always bound to be very busy at peak hours. This will not dampen our drive. We shall persevere to strike the right balance, ensuring environmental protection while offering an enjoyable visitor experience.”
