The Nationalist Party has issued a statement expressing "serious concern" after local media reports highlighted the beach pollution issues being faced at the height of the tourist season around the country.

The PN said on Thursday that these reports, which are based on data provided by the Environmental Protection Directorate, 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," the PN said.

The Opposition called it "unacceptable" for a touristic destination like Malta to be characterised by repeated warnings against swimming in popular, public beaches, as has been the case locally throughout the past two months with the temporary closure of several bays over this time frame.

"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," the PN stated.

The Nationalist Party noted that the government's reactive stance towards polluted beaches "highlights the clear differences" between the two major parties and their respective approaches in power.

The PN said that when it was in power two decades ago, in 2004, "a clear initiative was launched for St. George's Bay to achieve the international Blue Flag standard."

It said that after investments in the area's water quality, treatment, beach management, cleanliness, safety, and sustainability, St. George's Bay acquired Blue Flag status in 2009.

It commented that this was achieved through a vision that centred around the principle that higher quality leads to better tourism and a stronger reputation for Malta.

In contrast, the PN remarked that "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," noting that St. George's Bay and Balluta Bay have ranked among Malta's most polluted beaches 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 PN said.

The Nationalist Party has called upon the government to "treat this situation with the seriousness it deserves."

It said that "Malta needs a national prevention plan, continuous monitoring, effective enforcement against the causes of pollution, and investment in safeguarding sewage and coastal infrastructure," instead of reacting after a problem arises to the surface.

The PN concluded its statement by remarking that Malta must not continue basing its tourism policy "solely on numbers," as success in the tourism industry must also be measured by the quality of experience on offer.

Hence, it said that "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 PN pledged to remain committed towards a tourism model that is based on quality, sustainability, and protecting natural resources - noting that Maltese and Gozitan seas are part of our national heritage - while also appealing for all pollution incidents to be investigated transparently with the public advised on its causes and measures being undertaken to address it.