THE tourism industry is one of great importance to this country's development and, as such, Cabinet has appointed a Standing Committee for the sustainable development of tourism in Trinidad and Tobago.

So said Tourism Minister Dr Rupert Griffith during a news conference at the Hyatt Regency hotel, Wrightson Road, Port of Spain, on Wednesday.

"This committee, operating under the aegis of the Ministry of Tourism, will provide strategic direction and coordination for the development of the tourism industry," he said.

Griffith, who is also the committee's chairman, said the committee has representation from the Brasso Seco Tourism Activities Committee, Nature Seekers and Turtle Village Trust, "as there is a critical need for greater community and people participation in tourism".

He added that the first priority of the Tourism Standing Committee was to immediately establish three sub-committees to tackle specific priority areas—namely education and awareness, niche development and competitiveness.

He said there had been "extensive and fruitful discussions" with officials of Caribbean Airlines, the Ministry of Works and Transport, the Ministry of Tobago Development and the Port Authority of Trinidad and Tobago on the status and future of the air and sea bridge.

"The Port Authority of Trinidad and Tobago has also agreed to immediately start a review of the operational efficiency of the inter-island ferry service, especially in the areas of the upgrade of infrastructure at the ferry service terminal, provision of passenger and vehicle security and surveillance checks, ticketing and customer service," he said.