Watch: Large commercial boats 'causing chaos' at Comino’s Blue Lagoon - NGO
Powerful businesses are allowed to exploit the island at the cost of public enjoyment and the environment - Graffitti
Large commercial boat operators are causing chaos at Comino’s Blue Lagoon, Moviment Graffitti said on Tuesday.
"The arrival of these boats relentlessly transforms this iconic nature reserve from a peaceful, idyllic location in the early morning, to a crowded, noisy, dirty tourist trap by mid-afternoon," it said.
More than 10 such large boats berth at the Blue Lagoon at any one time, each with a capacity of several hundred people. Many operators carry out multiple trips per day, the NGO said.
"Annual visits to the Blue Lagoon used to be a summer staple for many local families. Today, the people of Malta and Gozo do not even consider it. We have been pushed out of public land by a handful of powerful businesses who are allowed to exploit the island at the cost of public enjoyment and the environment."
The group said that while there had been a lot of 'pomp' when Tourism Minister Ian Borg announced a system to cap the number of visitors to the lagoon, "he is still bending backwards to allow the biggest offenders to continue profiteering at the Blue Lagoon.".
Moviment Graffitti insisted that vessels that funnel mass tourism do not belong in a nature reserve and should be banned.