Comino Visitor Cap Can Be Revised, Says Tourism Minister

Tourism Minister Jo Etienne Abela told Parliament that the 4,000-person daily visitor cap on Comino is open to revision. Responding to a parliamentary question from PL MP Ramona Attard on Monday, Abela said: "It is not something that can't be revised. " The cap was introduced in summer 2025 as part of a broader effort to regulate an island Abela said had remained largely unmanaged for decades despite being one of Malta's most popular destinations.

He said the figure followed extensive discussions with stakeholders over recent years. Visitors are required to reserve one of three complimentary daily time slots before travelling to Comino, with each slot accommodating up to 4,000 people. Colour-coded wristbands enforce compliance on the ground.

Abela said he intends to stick with the strategy launched by his predecessor Ian Borg. "I intend on sticking with the strategy," he said. Malta receives more than four million international arrivals each year, and Abela said the government is no longer prioritising visitor growth.

"Since visitor numbers are no longer a concern, the government's focus is shifting to quality," he said, describing a deliberate pivot toward improving the tourism product rather than expanding it.