Air access is critical for the success of the province’s tourism industry.

That was the message Premier Andrew Furey gave to delegates at Hospitality NL’s conference in St. John’s yesterday.

He says at the peak of this year’s tourism season, the province will see a 21 per cent increase in inbound seat capacity over pre-pandemic levels.

He says St. John’s will see a 23 per cent increase in air traffic, while Deer Lake will experience a significant 32 per cent increase.

Gander had a “remarkable summer” thanks to Come From Away, says Furey, and the province is working with that town to improve air access as well as improve Wi-Fi and road connections across the province.