‘Hype, not hunting’ harms ecological tourism – hunters

Hunting publicity harming islands' ecological tourism," hunting federations FKNK and St Hubert Hunters said, referring to the statement carried by Merill Ltd - the only local licensed company engaged in eco-tourism, which works hands-on with the countryside stakeholders including hunters and farmers.  

Earlier this week, the MHRA expressed its concern about a possible "negative economic effect" of hunting.

"What is damaging ecological tourism to Malta is not the hunting, but the hype around it," the hunters said.

"Recently, there were only three violations of a bird reserve. Nevertheless, an unholy fuss was created involving a BBC film crew, plus at least 17 news reports in Malta's leading newspaper."

FKNK and KSU said, the three poachers make up only 0.03% of the 9,600 licensed hunters.

"This is proof enough that the whole issue is being dramatically sensationalized by fanatics, aided by foreign abolitionists," the hunters said.

Referring to the MHRA's appeal to NGOs to ensure that the Government takes the necessary steps to eradicate hunting abuses, "the FKNK as the largest NGO would like to assure the association that we co-operate fully with the Government towards that objective".

The hunters said that 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 organize to study the phenomenon of anti-hunting agitation and sensationalism and their possible effects on tourism."