“What is damaging ecological tourism to Malta is not the hunting, but the “hype” around it. In a statement this afternoon the Federation for Hunting & Conservation – Malta (FKNK) said it was not them or St. Hubert Hunters (KSU) that were saying that, but Merill Ltd., the only local licensed company engaged in eco- tourism, which works ‘hands-on’ with the countryside stakeholders, i.e. the hunters and the farmers.”
The FKNK said that “the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association (MHRA) is reportedly concerned [1] about a possible “negative economic effect” of hunting. The MHRA has messed up, fooled no doubt by the abolitionist lobby.”
It added “recently, there were only 3 violations of a bird reserve. Nevertheless, an unholy fuss was created involving a BBC film crew, plus many reports in the media. There are 9,600 licensed to hunt in April, and 3 poachers make up only 0.03%.”
The FKNK stated that, “this is proof enough that the whole issue is being dramatically sensationalised by fanatics, aided by foreign abolitionists.”
“As regards the MHRA’s appeal to NGOs “to ensure that the Government takes the necessary steps” to eradicate hunting abuses,” the FKNK pointed out, “as the largest NGO would like to assure the association that we co-operate fully with the Government towards that objective.”
FKNK concluded by saying, “since tourism forecasts for 2013 predict a record year, the MHRA should not be unduly concerned. Nevertheless, the MHRA may wish to note that we would gladly participate in any seminar or forum it might organise to study the phenomenon of anti- hunting agitation and sensationalism and their possible effects on tourism.”