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Interministerial group has ‘failed miserably’ - MHRA
The decision to anchor a large oil rig in St Paul’s Bay in full view of the shoreline in the peak of the tourist season has provoked outrage amongst the major tourism associations, the Federated Association of Travel and Tourism Agents (FATTA) and the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association (MHRA).
In a press release, FATTA said that it is astounded by the fact that an oil platform has been given permission to anchor in St. Paul’s bay, one of Malta’s more picturesque areas.
“Not only has this been done during one of the peak tourist months of July but the area is a along a stretch of coast which is extremely tourist sensitive. It is ironic that FATTA has constantly lobbied with MTA and the Ministry of Tourism that sensitive tourist areas should be kept in pristine condition at least during the peak summer months, free of construction debris and eyesores”, the federation added.
FATTA insisted that the berthing of this oil Platform at ST Paul’s Bay is highly insensitive, especially given the fact that Malta is passing already through a bad period for incoming tourism and wonders what image the Ministry or the Authority responsible is trying to impart to both the general public and the tourists currently visiting our islands.
“Such insensitivity towards the tourism zones and the tourism industry is even more glaring since FATTA and other NGO’s have been actively lobbying to move the position of current Fish Farm pens even further offshore to avoid both environmental damage as well as the visual pollution that such artefacts produce. The berthing of the platform can only exacerbate the already negative effects being suffered in the tourism and the environmental areas”.
In a similarly strong worded press statement, the MHRA strongly deplores the moving of the oil platform, which previously had been anchored for a number of days in the Grand Harbour, to St. Paul’s Bay.
“Once again, it clearly shows that tourism is still not on the government’s top agenda. It also clearly shows the insensitivity of government to the impact that any decisions, which are taken from time to time, can have on our number one industry and the major driving force behind Malta & Gozo’s economy”.
The MHRA contrasted government’s approach when a recent request to move the oil rig to a less prominent location due to an event in the Grand Harbour area for a top level conference being organised by a large multinational company was not heeded, despite various pleas being made by the organizers.
“The moment government needed to hold a reception in Bighi for local people, the oil platform was moved to St Paul’s Bay at great expense without any consideration on the impact such a vessel will have in the area and the tourism industry. To add insult to injury it was moved to St Paul’s Bay on the eve of an international event at Qawra Point to promote awareness about our environment and ways to cut down on damaging the environment”, an irate MHRA stated.
The association also criticised the lack of sensitivity to the tourism industry and the negative effect that such actions have on the industry which continue to amaze members of the MHRA.
“The MHRA once again questions the work of the Interministerial Group that is supposed to monitor such actions and avoid them at all costs. Once again it seems like the Interministerial group has failed miserably. MHRA calls upon government to reverse its decision and immediately move the platform from its present location to a more suitable area, which is more in keeping with the purpose that it is here for. It should definitely not be located in another tourism sensitive zone”, the association concluded. |
