Proposals for the long-term ecological rehabilitation of this site to be announced soon
\n\u2022 The highest recorded concentration of visitors at the Blue Lagoon at any one time in July
\nand August was registered on the afternoon of Friday, 22nd August, at an estimated
\n3,830, down by 68% when compared to the peaks of summer 2024.<\/p>\n
The average number of visitors at the Blue Lagoon at each of the three daily time slots
\nof the new booking system introduced this summer is 1,979.
\nOnly 34 out of 189 available time slots (morning\/afternoon\/evening) in July and August
\nregistered more than 3,000 visitors.<\/p>\n
These figures confirm the positive results of the new Blue Lagoon booking system
\nintroduced in May and the reorganisation of operations spearheaded by the Malta
\nTourism Authority (MTA)\u2019s Team Blue Lagoon and other entities.<\/p>\n
The booking system is one of several measures introduced this summer to augment
\nenvironmental sustainability at the Blue Lagoon, a Natura 2000 site, and enhance visitor
\nexperience. MTA also appointed internationally acclaimed architecture and design
\npractice Mizzi Studio to deliver long-term rehabilitation proposals to preserve the site\u2019s
\nnatural beauty, while ensuring ecological balance and sustainable public access. The
\nproposals, which are being discussed with stakeholders, including e-NGOs, will be open
\nfor public consultation in coming weeks.<\/p>\n
Last year, up to 12,000 visitors were recorded at the Blue Lagoon at any one time at peak
\nhours. The new free online booking system introduced this year \u2013 Book. Protect. Enjoy. –
\nallows a maximum of 4,000 visitors at any one time, marking the first ever attempt toward
\nsustainable management of the area.<\/p>\n
The system allows visitors to book one of three time slots \u2013 morning, afternoon or
\nevening. The 1,979 average number of visitors per time slot registered in July and August
\ndemonstrates that the booking system is successfully distributing the flow of visitors
\nthroughout the day, avoiding the much higher concentrations previously experienced at
\ncertain peak hours. This data is also helping to inform the planning of additional
\nmeasures.<\/p>\n
Established earlier this year, Team Blue Lagoon is focusing on four key objectives:
\nImproved visitor flows through the new booking system<\/p>\n
A safer visitor experience with a larger swimming zone<\/p>\n
Additional cleansing and waste management resources<\/p>\n
Strict enforcement and security throughout the site, on land and at sea.<\/p>\n
In May, Team Blue Lagoon extended the swimming zone by 12%. Two smaller beaches in
\nthe same area were also newly designated as safe swimming zones.
\nThe Team also doubled the cleaning resources allocated to the area, with over 12
\ncleaners assigned daily to empty bins, collect litter, and maintain the site\u2019s showers and
\ntoilets, which were also refurbished. Waste is now transported off the Island more
\nfrequently, reducing the environmental impact.<\/p>\n
Maritime operations have also been reorganised, with a new capitainerie managed by
\nTransport Malta officers overseeing the arrival and departure of vessels to the existing
\nlanding sites.<\/p>\n
Team Blue Lagoon has also strengthened on-site safety and security, with a new patrol
\nteam, more lifeguards, as well as police officers, environmental monitors and
\nemergency personnel. Enforcement tied to commercial operations was reinforced to
\nensure compliance with applicable conditions.<\/p>\n
New signage is guiding visitors to follow the site\u2019s regulations and remain on established
\npaths, avoiding the protected garigue. Some of the paths have been upgraded to improve
\nsafety.<\/p>\n
Commenting on these results CEO of the Malta Tourism Authority Carlo Micallef said:
\n\u201cBy controlling peak visitor numbers and spreading flows, the booking system is helping
\nus embark on a journey to protect the Blue Lagoon and give visitors a better experience.
\nThese improvements underline the effectiveness of the measures taken so far, and the
\ndetermination of Team Blue Lagoon and of our partner entities to continue working in the
\ndirection we have undertaken.\u201d<\/p>\n
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Ian Borg stated:
\n\u201cTeam Blue Lagoon’s efforts this summer are the first tangible drive to improve the
\nsustainability of operations at this national gem and Natura 2000 site. The results are
\nencouraging – a vital first step towards long-term and sustained rehabilitation as well as
\na better visitor experience. Let me be clear, this is just the beginning. We will continue analysing 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
\nenvironmental protection while offering an enjoyable visitor experience.\u201d<\/p>\n
The MTA and Team Blue Lagoon are coordinating these improvements with the support
\nof several ministries, authorities and entities, including the Ministry for Foreign Affairs
\nand Tourism, the Ministry for Gozo and Planning, Transport Malta, the Environment and
\nResources Authority, the Police, LESA, and the Civil Protection Department.<\/p>\n