The ticketing system introduced to control access to Comino did not work, tourism anthropologist Professor Marie Avellino said, arguing that overcrowding has persisted and enforcement has remained weak.

Last year, a new online visitor booking system was launched for Comino's Blue Lagoon, which has, for many years, fallen victim to overtourism.

A capping was introduced for the popular attraction, with the day being split into three time slots, and only allowing 4,000 visitors at any one time.

Avellino was asked whether the ticketing system introduced to regulate entry to Comino had failed to address the island's persistent overcrowding.

"There is still overcrowding," Avellino said plainly.

Asked what would constitute a realistic solution for Comino, Avellino argued that the issue went beyond ticketing and touched on deeper structural problems, including what she described as excessive "nepotism" among operators.

"There is too much nepotism on Comino, as many of the operators setting up stalls all know each other," she said.

Avellino maintained that enforcement was particularly challenging, as operators allegedly adjusted their activities when inspections were carried out.

"When the inspectors come, they clear up quickly, and when they leave, they do what they want," she said.

Avellino said that enforcement on Comino was very difficult and added that significant environmental harm had already been done over the years.

She drew parallels with Dwejra and Fungus Rock in Gozo, recalling how those areas had previously suffered damage from vehicles and from being jam-packed with tourists, alongside stalls selling low-quality souvenirs.

Avellino said that part of the solution lay not only in limiting numbers but also in improving quality.

Ultimately, Avellino said that Comino's challenges reflected broader issues on enforcement and sustainability, warning that without stronger oversight and a clearer long-term strategy, measures introduced to control visitor numbers would continue to fall short.

The overtourism in Comino's Blue Lagoon has been a topic of controversy for several years, sparking protests over the fact at up to 12,000 visitors were recorded at Blue Lagoon at any one time, especially at peak hours.

The first part of the interview was carried yesterday