A round table discussion will be occurring on tourism and Banff-Airdrie MP Blake Richards is looking for feedback.

MP Richards says tourism is one of the bright spots in our lagging economy and unlike the oil and gas industry, is still seeing growth.

"This is an opportunity to discuss on how we can further strengthen and grow in those gains, the present time the government is looking at developing a new tourism vision so it is a great opportunity to have those discussions at the moment."

Richards goes on to say the tourism industry is one of the largest industries in the country.

"It employs over 600,000 Canadians, and over 178,000 small businesses that result from tourism. We can see there is lots of opportunities for jobs, lots of opportunities for those who are entrepreneurial or starting businesses. If we can continue to grow tourism that just provides that much more opportunities for people to have that chance at jobs or have that chance to start a small business."

Federally, MP Richards, wants to eliminate or remove barriers that may challenge the tourism sector in terms of growth.

"Sometimes we put up too much regulation/red tape, that is something that governments unfortunately are great at and it is something that governments need to be far more aware of. New taxes, new fees these kinds of things every time government does they they need to understand there is an impact. There is an impact on jobs, there is an impact on business owners and we have to make sure we are always conscience of that."

The round table is not only for those that work in the tourism industry but is open to anyone.

"I know we are working with some of the tourism partners and tourism operators to invite those very specifically involved in the tourism sector but certainly open to others who have suggestions and ideas as well, and a great opportunity to hear what some of those challenges out there might be."

The round table discussion will be held at the Cochrane Legion on September 23 from 11 am-12:30 pm. If you would like to join in on the discussion you can email Cochrane Tourism by September 19 at cochranetourism@gmail.com MP Richards also adds, if you can't make the discussion you can provide feedback by accessing his website here.