Howard Hastings, Managing Director of the Hastings Hotels Group, is the latest in a line of business chiefs to back plans for the runway extension at Belfast City Airport."The benefits of a planned runway extension are clear - new European routes which will create and sustain local jobs, bringing tourists and their currency to the region," Mr Hastings said."The current economic conditions are difficult for all sectors - tourism is no different and we need to seize any opportunities which will aid the local economy and our sector."We live on an island so increasing access to tourists and trade at air or sea ports is of great importance."In recent years the Hastings Hotels Group has invested more than £20 million in redeveloping the Slieve Donard Resort and Spa and added a new wing to the Culloden Estate and Spa. "Many within tourism have invested heavily, building for the future ready to accommodate a sector which has obvious growth potential."In today's climate it would be greatly disappointing to see the door to this opportunity being shut or even delayed via a public enquiry. "A lengthy public enquiry will result in a cost of millions to the public purse, bring adverse publicity for the region and stifle confidence in a sector which requires vision and action."The message it would send out would be damaging, not only for tourism but for other foreign investment in Northern Ireland."