THE Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism says there is a need to strike a balanced approach to grow the sector based on anticipated visitor growth.

Mr Andrew Nihopara said assistance towards genuine tourism investors’ interest both present and future must continue to diversify products.

He said a set of Tourism Investment Incentive schedule packages have been created that would cater for new Tourism investment interests.

Mr Nihopara explained that Tourism Investment Incentives forecast benefits for investors and at the same time making it easier to make an informed choice and streamlining approval processes.

He said the Ministry’s profiling programme was established to drive the packages forward.

Mr Nihopara said support towards expansion of existing operators with new initiatives such as adoption of renewable energy usage by tourism facilities and operators are some of the areas that needs consideration.

“Government’s support is paramount in these approach to avoid roll out of the Tourism Minimum Standards,” he said.

Mr Nihopara said proper legislative framework is required to support and facilitate the planned growth of the sector.

He said the National Tourism Policy is currently under implementation to support the SI Tourism Development Strategy.