Let the shooting start

The Malta Tourism Authority's Brand Malta campaign seeks to instil in citizens an awareness of and respect towards our country's tourism potential. Every opportunity should be exploited. It is therefore pertinent to mention that the recently introduced Arms Act 2005 has opened up a vast plethora of possibilities for sports tourism.

This law and the relevant licensing regulations are the result of years of commitment and negotiations between the Gun Owners' Federation of Malta (GOFM), the Association of Maltese Arms Collectors & Shooters (AMACS) and the Ministry of Justice and Home Affairs.

AMACS and its various clubs, spearheaded by the Malta Rifle & Pistol Shooting Club (MRPSC), are hard at work to ensure that the introduction of "new" target shooting sports is as smooth and safe as possible. So far four firearms competency and safety courses have been undertaken and more are in the pipeline.

AMACS introduced target shooting into Malta 17 years ago when it held the first muzzle-loading shooting event at Pembroke ranges under the supervision of the Armed Forces of Malta. The AFM also trained our range conducting officers that now oversee our shooting events. The AFM ranges will soon serve as an incubator for the new sports disciplines that will be launched now that the Arms Act is in force.

Likewise, the Police Force has been working closely with us to ensure that the mechanism of the new law is set into motion as soon as possible. Their contribution to Maltese sports should be widely acknowledged.

Fruitful contacts with international sporting bodies have secured affiliations with a bounty of potential for both local and foreign shooting sports enthusiasts.

The beauty of the Arms Act 2005 is that it transposes the EU Arms Directive 91/47/EEC faithfully, while truly opening up the potential for hosting international target shooting events in Malta. Over the last two years, teams from our rifle and pistol club, MRPSC, have ventured abroad to take part in European IPSC competitions in all three events (practical rifle, pistol and shotgun). Not only have they exceeded our expectations (one member placed fifth), but continued communications with these sporting bodies have prompted these to ask: Why travel so far if you can train and organise competitions in Malta? When are you inviting us for some good shooting practice and competitions in Malta?

Truly, Malta is blessed with a moderate climate, virtually making it possible to hold such events any time of year, given the right infrastructure. International target shooting competitions offer huge PR benefits and direct material gains to the host country. The potential is here, today. We have the right legislation, we have the necessary commitment from the sporting bodies. We are truly looking at a gift horse in the mouth.

At this stage, what are truly needed are two key elements: Serious talks with the authorities to build the required shooting ranges infrastructure and amenities and collaboration between the Malta Tourism Authority and AMACS with the aim of mapping a clear marketing strategy.

With some enthusiasm and energy going in the right direction, we could attract the widest possible spectrum of participants and guests from the international target shooting community and reap the obvious benefits.

Let's add more value to the Brand.

Mr Borg is PRO of the Association of Maltese Arms Collectors & Shooters (AMACS).

www.amacs-malta.org