Environmentalists, including Friends of the Earth Malta, were shocked last Sunday when they read a MaltaToday interview with Tourism minister Michael Refalo, in which he expressed his view that Malta could very well do with not just one, but two more golf courses.

Dr Refalo then apparently threw political tact to the wind by adding that "the environment is not the ‘be all and end all’ of everything" – a comment that undoubtedly irked environmentalists across the islands.

Expressing his belief that Malta’s tourism sector needs two more international standard golf courses Dr Refalo told MaltaToday last week, "The proposed Formula One track is a prime example of diversification, as are golf courses, walking and riding tracks in Gozo."

He then added: "We can attract foreign golf enthusiasts in the winter months when the European courses are frozen.

"I have campaigned for environmental sustainable tourism development. However, the environment is not the ‘be all and end all’ of everything. The Planning Authority should decide whether the Rabat golf course application is acceptable or not. The application cannot wait indefinitely.”

However, Friends of the Earth retaliated in a statement last week that it was "shocked" by the minister’s comments.

The NGO explains, "FoE Malta deplores the idea of eradicating the historical and cultural identity of our islands by large developments such as golf courses and racing tracks, even if these might result in short-term economic benefits.

"The long-term losses are likely to far outweigh any short term gains. The environment and the economy are linked and protecting the environment will lead to long term economic gains for Malta."

FoE suggests that Dr Refalo ,"Ought to use his energy to protect and restore our historical and environmental resources rather than suggest these should be traded off for more development, while questioning where, exactly he sees these developments fitting in to the new environment law and the plan to have a commission for sustainable development.

Explaining his conviction that Malta must venture into different tourism markets that can provide the vital numbers for the industry to be viable in the winter months, Dr Refalo had added, "My vision is to continue pressing for change, in mentality and outlook. Not just that of the tourism operators but also the public," stressing that he would like to see the public support the industry with more effort – not just lip service.