Once upon a time, the former European islands have hit 10,000 tourists a day. (Image: Getty)
It boasts a rich past and culture thanks to its warm Mediterranean climate, over 7,000 years of history and of course beautiful beaches. Located between Sicily and the North African coast, Malta saw nearly 3.6 million inbound tourists in 2024, but this year it is still sought more.
There is Comino Island, about 20 minutes from the mainland. This is famous for its Blue Lagoon, a natural 1.4-square-mile pool that has become very popular with tourists for obvious reasons. According to the metro, what once was a “peaceful” destination is overrun by 10,000 tourists a day, and locals are increasingly tired of the industry that brings “unsustainable” numbers to the region during the high season. Tourism experts now share concerns with Express about the islands' effects on Cominos and possible solutions.
Read more: A cute island loved by tourists who become “a disaster belt where mice are infected”
In February, Maltese Tourism Minister Ian Borg promised to introduce capacity caps to “clean” the Comino. (Image: Getty)
In February, Malta's Tourism Minister Ian Borg promised to “clean up” the Comino and introduced capacity caps to ensure that commercial boat operators are not overwhelmed by the area.
“In July and August, 10,000 people descended into the blue lagoon in Comino every day, and that's too much,” the minister said, according to the Maltese era. He added that the island “cannot continue to allow operators to unload boat roads of 700 or 800 passengers at a time in such a small space.”
Home to just two permanent residents, Comino is actually the Natura 2000 Marine Reserve and Important Bird Area (IBA). This is because it supports Yelkouan Shearwaters of 50-80 breeding pairs.
Eammon Turley, travel and tourism expert and CEO of MPV Rental, told Express he “heart-in-a-kind” that he supports Minister Borg's capacity cap.
“Most tourists forget that there are specific environmental benefits, such as destroying bird habitats, destroying rodents from garbage food, and abrading coastal and water tourists in the first place.”
In July and August 2024, 10,000 people descend to Comino's Blue Lagoon every day. (Image: Getty)
“Again, what we should consider here is to balance tourism income with long-term sustainability,” he added. “Reducing numbers won't stop tourists. It'll get smarter. I always tell tourists to come out and visit more than the biggest attraction first.
“Malta has many other lovely things that can give you a richer and more relaxed experience, such as small coves, promenades and culture. Cominos aren't just blue lagoons. It's about the entire island. A more even distribution of visitors across different regions and times can be a great help in getting the area to be left out.”
Travel expert and CMO Alexandra Dobakova reiterated Tarly's words on the free walking tour.
“Last month, one of our Maltese guides cancelled our walking tour in Valletta due to the streets being too crowded. The guide was unable to show us enough clients to provide a meaningful experience without interference.
“I think the solution should be better flow management. Tweaking travelers to neglected places, allowing tourists to spread and stay longer. Filling out the daily numbers without diversifying the visitor's experience could turn Malta into a gate's appeal.”
Roisin Miller, a blogger who runs Rooabouttown, told the Express, who visited Malta three years ago, that even at that point, the Blue Lagoon “couldn't find a place to sit and barely find a place to bob underwater.” She said, “I wasn't surprised that Borg is taking these steps, and that she probably thinks it's necessary.
“It's sad for some tourists, but the rocks and areas need to be protected. Plus, it wasn't really fun as a tourist (…) I think we need to do more to stop overtourism.”
Kanika Puri, Chief Customer Officer of Fast Cover Travel Insurance, highlighted the recent approval of a large hotel to be built on the island over the next few years.
Maltese-American Liz Delia said she spent time skipping Comino completely and instead exploring Gozo and the quiet bays and coves of mainland Malta. (Image: Getty)
“The construction is not only highly contested, but it has not resolved the issue of restraining mass tourism in the meantime,” she said.
According to European Spa Magazine, Luxury Senses Comino is scheduled to open in 2027, developed by HV Hospitality, a subsidiary of HIL Ventures, and managed by luxury hotel brand Six Senses. The hotel is located in two bays on the island and features 71 suites, 19 retreats and a spa.
Finally, Maltese-American Liz Delia said from Zest at latitude that “all Malta is less crowded than other popular Mediterranean spots,” but Comino is a “clear exception” and the environmental impact around the blue lagoon is “undoubtedly.”
“When we were there in 2023, we actually skipped Comino completely and instead spent time exploring Gozo and the quiet bays and coves of the main island. Cominos are hard to enjoy when people are full. Alternatives.”
