The action taken by the Malta Tourism Authority and the Lands Authority in removing illegal beach operators from occupying public beaches has been welcomed by Blue Flag Malta.

In a statement Blue Flag Malta said that these illegal beach operators are to the detriment of Maltese citizen and tourists who want to also use and enjoy the limited beaches in Malta.

“These irresponsible operators are not only prohibiting the public from enjoying these beaches, but are putting at risk the tourism industry in which they too operate and are causing social injustice to beach users especially those who cannot afford to rent an umbrella and/or other facilities,” it said.

Blue Flag Malta stated that “these law breakers are increasing the risk that beaches such as Qawra will end up losing the Blue Flag Eco Label which the MTA has worked hard for.”

Many Mediterranean countries are today competing and investing in more Blue Flag Beaches and Green Key Hotels to attract as much holiday makers to their countries as possible, it said.

“While the local authorities are doing the same on our island and helping to improve the economy, these illegal operators are damaging the same industry they earn their living from, besides putting at risk other workers in the tourism sector,” Blue Flag Malta said.

It concluded by saying that “beaches, together with green open spaces, offer society the relaxation it needs and promotes social wellbeing for all. Green open spaces are today shrinking due to over development and we cannot afford to also lose our beaches to greedy operators.”

Blue Flag is run in Malta by Nature Trust – FEE Malta as the representative of FEE International.

Photo: MTA and Lands close down Fra Ben kiosk in Qawra

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