The quality of our beaches reflects the quality of our tourism
Malta cannot continue to base its tourism policy solely on numbers. Success in tourism must also be measured by the quality of the experience we offer. A country that aspires to attract higher-value tourism must provide a clean environment, safe seas and beaches that are a source of national pride.
St George’s Bay – which officially achieved Blue Flag status under a Nationalist Government – ranked among the most polluted beaches this summer
The Partit Nazzjonalista expresses its serious concern following the latest media reports about Maltese beaches facing pollution problems at the height of the tourist season.
These reports, based on data from the Environmental Protection Directorate itself, should prompt a sense of urgency within the Government. Clean seas are not only an environmental and public health issue, but also one of the most important elements of Malta’s tourism product.
It is unacceptable for a country that depends so heavily on tourism to continue experiencing repeated warnings against swimming at popular beaches. Both tourists visiting our country and Maltese families deserve the highest standards of safety and quality, not uncertainty over whether the sea is safe for swimming.
This highlights the clear difference between two approaches to government. In 2004, under a Nationalist Government, a clear initiative was launched for St George’s Bay to achieve the international Blue Flag standard. The project was based on investment in water quality and treatment, beach management, cleanliness, safety and sustainability. As a result, in 2009, St George’s Bay in St Julian’s officially achieved Blue Flag status.
This was the result of a vision that understood that higher quality leads to better tourism and a stronger reputation for Malta. Today, instead of discussing how to increase the number of beaches meeting international quality standards, we are faced with reports of pollution and warnings against swimming. St George’s Bay, together with Balluta Bay, has been ranked among the most polluted beaches in Malta this summer. This is a step backwards that damages Malta’s reputation and undermines the work of all those whose livelihoods depend on the tourism industry.
The Government must treat this situation with the seriousness it deserves. It is not enough to react only when a problem arises. Malta needs a national prevention plan, continuous monitoring, effective enforcement against the causes of pollution, and investment in safeguarding sewage and coastal infrastructure. Every pollution incident should be investigated transparently, and the public should be given clear explanations about its causes and the measures being taken to address it.
Malta cannot continue to base its tourism policy solely on numbers. Success in tourism must also be measured by the quality of the experience we offer. A country that aspires to attract higher-value tourism must provide a clean environment, safe seas and beaches that are a source of national pride.
The Opposition remains committed to promoting a tourism model based on quality, sustainability and the protection of our natural resources.
The seas surrounding Malta and Gozo are part of our national heritage and must be protected wisely, responsibly and through serious governance.
Alex Perici Calascione
Shadow Minister for Tourism
Mark Anthony Sammut
Shadow Minister for Energy and the Environment
06.08.2026