The Malta Tourism Authority in a statement this afternoon said that "the strategy and the ongoing efforts of the MTA to protect the tourism product on both beaches at Comino is bearing fruit."

The Malta Tourism Authority added that operators for Blue Lagoon and Santa Marija beaches were respecting the rules, which included not putting out umbrellas and deckchairs before they were hired.

The MTA noted that several fines were given out to those who did not comply and by the end of July the Authority had already issued € 12,000 in fines.

It said that it had spoken to several operators on the island, including those who provide the water taxi service to the island, and they had all expressed their satisfaction at the results achieved.

The MTA stressed that, "despite being given the impression that enforcement actions only started after the media reports, the work has been underway for two years on Comino, to take control of the situation and the abuse that had been going on for several years."

The MTA said that a team of officials from the Authority visit Comino on a daily basis from early morning to check and monitor both beaches, which includes taking photographs. They also communicate with the offices of the Gozo Tourism Association and the MTA. This is done when and where there is a need, in order to take immediate steps without delay, the Authority said.

Photograph by Malta Tourism Authority

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