Tourism Authority sets record straight on Comino beach prices

Following a barrage of reports and comments on media and social media alike lamenting over deckchairs and umbrellas in Comino, the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) published a list of authorised prices in accordance with contracts signed by operators of umbrellas and deckchairs in Blue Lagoon and Santa Marija, Comino.

The pricing depends on the areas within the beach. According to the list published by the Authority, there are three designated areas; the jetty and the outrock areas where an umbrella and a deckchair cost €5 each, and the beach area where they cost twice as much.

Tourism Minister Edward Zammit Lewis took to Twitter to declare the "unacceptable situation" in Comino, reassuring that the MTA will be stepping up and taking the necessary action.

Unacceptable situation in Comino; MTA to step up & take necessary legal action. Will continue to improve #tourism #product

— Zammit-Lewis Edward (@ZammitLewisEdw) August 12, 2016

"We will continue to improve," he added.

In a statement, the MTA highlighted that deckchairs and umbrella rentals must conform to these authorised prices, adding that a fiscal receipt must be given to the client.

“Besides the operators’ obligation to reveal prices, signs marking prices will be installed by the Authority in the areas within the beaches,” the MTA said.

The MTA added that it will be continue its inspections and follow legal actions to see that the operators’ contractual obligations are being honoured.

“In the circumstances that contractual obligations are not being met, the Authority reserves the right to immediately revoke the contract,” it said.

One of the obligations set by a 2015 tender for operators regularises the number of deckchairs and their prices in each given zone.

The Authority urged the public to ask for a fiscal receipt and report the cases where they are overcharged.

The MTA can be contacted by phone on 2291 5452 or 2291 5453 between 9:00am and 5:00pm Monday through Saturday, and between 9:00am and 12:30pm on Sundays and public holidays. Alternatively, one can contact the Authority through email at [email protected]