People who run the bars, eateries and accommodations like the premier’s objective of elevating this province to become the tourism capital of Canada.

Premier Tony Wakeham says access, working with Marine Atlantic on increased capacity, and extending the tourism season are among the conversations taking place.

The chair of Hospitality NL, John Devereaux, says tourism is currently worth $1.4-billion, and growing that to $2-billlion is achievable. He says expanding the shoulder seasons – April and May, and October and November –  would be a great start.

“We still have to work on having greater access to the province,” he says.

He also says immigration will have to be a piece of the puzzle as they need more employees.