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 after a court ruling delivered on Wednesday.
The booking system to visit Comino was put on hold by the Malta Tourism Authority after a court decree upheld an application filed against the system, the MTA had said on 3 May.
On Wednesday, the Court rejected a request by ferry operators to cancel what the Malta Tourism Authority described in a statement as a “sustainability initiative”. It also refused their attempt to bar the extension of the swimming zones of this coast’s crystal-clear waters.
Starting Monday, 19th 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 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. On the first day, over 4,800 visitors successfully booked online and obtained access wrist bands at the area’s three entry points
– 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
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.