Hoteliers call for urgent decision on golf course

It is a great shame that bureaucratic processes and procrastination have held back the decisions for Malta to be able to boast of at least a second golf course on the islands, the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association said yesterday.

It was reacting following the recent accusations levelled at the Malta Environment and Planning Authority by former Minister for Tourism Michael Refalo.

The association said that golf was today a massive market which could not be exploited by Malta due to the lack of golf courses and facilities.

"Competitor countries like Portugal, Spain and Dubai have taken full advantage of this market segment while we have been left behind due to the negative perceptions that surround the development of such facilities.

"The more extensive we can make our product offering, the more of a chance we will have to expand demand to our islands. Additionally, the golfing segment is looked upon within the industry as a high yield segment."

The MHRA urged Mepa to take the bull by the horns and take an urgent decision so as to pave the way for the development of golf courses in Malta and Gozo.

"Such developments can be carried out with full respect for the environment while creating a much needed added attraction for our islands to be able to grow demand from a visitor segment that we so much need," it said.