This is a major recognition of its contribution to our economic future. I don't need to impress you with a lot of facts and figures on the significance of the tourism industry as they are well known to you. This is an industry with enormous growth potential. However, as everyone in business knows, there is a critical gap between the potential and the realisation of an opportunity. It is you, in the industry, who must identify the demand, create the product or service, effectively market and profitably deliver that service to both domestic and international visitors.
Governments also have a role.
They must play their part in creating a business environment which will generate industry growth and investment and which will support the development of competitive and efficient markets. With the help of the industry we must clearly identify and address the issues which are the most critical for the development of this industry. I am aware that a number of these issues cut across a number of Government portfolios and I am looking forward to working closely with my ministerial colleagues in order for us to achieve equitable solutions. Solutions which, I am sure, will meet both the Government's and industry's goals. The Government is already moving to implement a comprehensive agenda of business and regulatory reform.