Prime Minister Defends Comino Visitor Cap Amid Public Access Concerns

25 June 2026, 13:03 · Updated 25 June 2026, 22:02

Prime Minister Robert Abela has defended the government's management of Comino, stating that a "balance" has been achieved despite recent public concerns over access. His comments come after an incident where Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) officials were filmed instructing a beachgoer to move from a public area at the Blue Lagoon.

The Prime Minister insisted that the government's approach to Comino, including the implementation of a visitor cap for the Blue Lagoon, is necessary to manage the popular site effectively. He highlighted the importance of striking a balance between accessibility and environmental preservation.

The incident involving MTA officials sparked public debate and criticism, with many questioning the extent of public access to the island's popular beaches. The video footage, widely shared online, showed officials telling a person to relocate from a spot perceived by the public as a freely accessible area.

Mr Abela's defence suggests the government views its measures as a responsible way to handle the high volume of visitors to Comino, particularly during peak seasons. Both Times of Malta and MaltaToday reported on the Prime Minister's statements.

The Nationalist Party (PN) has demanded answers from the government regarding the recent incident at Blue Lagoon, Comino. The party also called for the immediate publication of the Comino Capacity Study.

This development follows earlier reports where the Prime Minister defended the government's approach to managing visitor numbers and public access in Comino. The PN's call for transparency and accountability highlights ongoing concerns surrounding the popular site.