Be the first to comment!Blue Lagoon’s Book. Protect. Enjoy is “back on track” – MTA
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The Malta Tourism Authority said that the Court has rejected ferry operators’ request to block the new booking system and extended swimming zones at the Blue Lagoon, Comino.
In a statement on Thursday, the MTA said that “Team Blue Lagoon will kick start again the operation of the new “Book. Protect. Enjoy.” visitor booking system aimed at protecting and preserving this popular and environmentally fragile Natura 2000 site.”
On Wednesday, the Court rejected a request by ferry operators to cancel this sustainability initiative, the MTA said. The Court “also refused their attempt to bar the extension of the swimming zones of this coast’s crystal-clear waters.”
The Authority said that starting Monday, the 19th of May, visitors to the Blue Lagoon will once again be able to pre-book one of the three daily time slots through the free online booking system – bluelagooncomino.mt
In its decision, the MTA said that the Court stated that the operators “will not suffer irreparable damages due to this new eco-friendly and sustainable initiative by Team Blue Lagoon.”
It also observed that “such protection [of the Blue Lagoon and Comino] is undoubtedly in the national and general interest,” adding that “it should also be of primary interest to those who earn their living around this island.”
The “Book. Protect. Enjoy.” system and the enlargement of the swimming zones were launched in parallel on 1st May “and immediately delivered encouraging results,” said the MTA.
It noted that “on the first day, over 4,800 visitors successfully booked online and obtained access wrist bands at the area’s three entry points.”
“Book. Protect. Enjoy.”
– Booking site: bluelagooncomino.mt
– Three time slots: 08:00-13:00, 13:30-17:30, 18:00-22:00
– Booking generates a unique QR code which is redeemed into a wristband at the entry points
– Unauthorised access may be subject to a fine, the MTA said.
According to the MTA, during peak hours last summer, the Blue Lagoon was receiving 12,000 visitors at any one time. The “Book. Protect. Enjoy.” limits access to a maximum of 4,000 visitors at any time. “During the first few weeks, officials on site will continue to provide guidance to visitors who may not yet be familiar with the booking process,” it said.
File photo: Gozo News/Alain Salvary
