Bathers have the right to ask for the removal of deckchairs that are occupying a public space on a beach, Tourism Minister Clayton Bartolo said on Friday.

Answering questions by The Malta Independent, Bartolo insisted that deckchair owners are obliged to remove them, adding that this is already happening.

When it was suggested that deckchairs should be placed only if they are hired, rather than having bathers ask for their removal, Bartolo did not give a clear answer as he said that “(deckchairs) will be removed”.

Asked what the ministry is doing to ensure that such protocols are respected, he said that “monitoring is being done, not only on Comino but on other bays too”.

He said that the government’s aim is to always to improve Malta’s bays.

Bartolo explained how earlier this week, the Tourism Ministry has announced 12 bays who have acquired the blue flag and that this is the most number of bays which have received a blue flag from Malta.

“Apart from that now we are working to continue improving bays that until today have not qualified for the blue flag as we understand that all bays form part of the touristic product of the country; we have to continue to diversify it even more whilst bettering the traditional aspects that we have had until now”.

Speaking about Comino he said that the ministry is working to implement a holistic plan.

“We are seeking to introduce a holistic plan “that not only focuses on the Blue Lagoon but also use all of Comino's potential in a sustainable way. Sustainability in Comino cannot only be a buzzword but also a way in which work should be conducted on the island” he said.

Bartolo added that this will ensure that all that can be taken from the island is done in a respectful way towards its environment.

 “We must respect the enviorment. There are areas which must be managed better, I am not only refering to the blue lagoon but also the island in general,” the minister said.