Published on
September 7, 2025
Malta’s famed Blue Lagoon off the coast of Comino is experiencing a remarkable decrease in foot traffic due to the now-mandatory reservation platform, launched in May 2025. Created to mitigate the damaging effects of overtourism on the fragile surroundings, the scheme also strives to elevate leisure quality for each arriving guest. Early data indicates the initiative is on track, recording a 68 percent curtailment of peak crowd levels when measured against the previous summer’s extremes.
From July to August 2025, the Blue Lagoon saw a maximum of 3,830 visitors at any one time, a stark contrast to the 12,000 visitors recorded during peak hours in 2024. The introduction of a free, online booking system, Book. Protect. Enjoy., allows for a maximum of 4,000 visitors at any given time, ensuring that the famous lagoon remains accessible without overwhelming the site’s fragile ecosystem.
Key Features of the Blue Lagoon Booking System
The new booking system offers three time slots for visitors: morning, afternoon, and evening. During July and August 2025, the average number of visitors for each of these time slots was 1,979, confirming the system’s success in spreading out the flow of tourists throughout the day. Only 34 out of 189 available time slots in the peak months saw more than 3,000 visitors, indicating that visitor numbers were effectively controlled during the busiest hours.
This system is part of Malta’s ongoing efforts to promote sustainable tourism and mitigate the environmental damage caused by high visitor numbers. The Blue Lagoon, a Natura 2000 site, is one of Malta’s most popular tourist destinations, drawing thousands of visitors each year. To preserve its natural beauty, the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) has been working closely with various stakeholders to ensure that its popularity does not lead to irreversible ecological damage.
Enhancing Visitor Experience with Sustainable Measures
In addition to the booking system, several other initiatives have been implemented to improve both the sustainability and safety of the Blue Lagoon for all visitors. The Team Blue Lagoon has worked tirelessly to improve the site’s infrastructure and services. The swimming zone has been extended by 12 percent, and two smaller beaches have been designated as safe swimming areas. With an increase in cleaning and waste management resources, 12 cleaners are now assigned daily to maintain cleanliness across the site.
Maritime operations have been reorganised to improve safety, with a new capitainerie overseeing the arrival and departure of vessels. Security has also been heightened with additional lifeguards, police officers, and environmental monitors ensuring that visitors adhere to the site’s rules and regulations, thus preserving its natural environment.
Furthermore, the MTA has committed to long-term ecological rehabilitation for the Blue Lagoon. The internationally renowned Mizzi Studio has been tasked with designing rehabilitation proposals that focus on maintaining ecological balance while ensuring public access. These proposals will be discussed with stakeholders and open for public consultation in the coming weeks.
Environmental Impact and Future Steps for the Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon’s transition towards more sustainable tourism practices marks a pivotal step in Malta’s tourism industry. The new measures are crucial for maintaining the delicate ecosystem of the Blue Lagoon while continuing to offer an incredible experience for travellers. By controlling visitor numbers and distributing them more evenly across the day, Malta is ensuring the long-term preservation of this treasured site for future generations.
As part of its commitment to environmental sustainability, the Malta Tourism Authority has also focused on promoting a more eco-conscious way of experiencing the lagoon. Visitors now have the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the Blue Lagoon without the overcrowding that previously detracted from the natural experience. These efforts are just the beginning, with further plans underway to enhance the lagoon’s long-term ecological preservation.
A Sustainable Future for Malta’s Blue Lagoon
The introduction of the Blue Lagoon booking system and the steps taken to manage visitor numbers have already shown significant improvements in environmental sustainability and the visitor experience. As Malta continues to develop its eco-tourism strategies, this marks an important milestone in addressing overtourism at one of the country’s most iconic sites. The results of this initiative serve as an example for other popular tourist destinations globally, showing how technology and strategic planning can be used to balance tourism growth with environmental protection.
The Malta Tourism Authority, driven by a clear commitment, actively safeguards the Blue Lagoon and nearby natural gems so that holidaymakers can keep visiting them in the future, all while leaving the breathtaking scenery and delicate ecosystems unharmed.
