GTA working to develop more tourist sites in Region 10

The Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) is prioritizing tourism development in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) this year, as that region has established itself as one of the most visited in the country.
GTA Product Development Manager Candace Phillips has said the agency is exploring the tourism potential of Region 10, and has mentioned that GTA is working to identify new attractions and improve existing products within that region.
“What we hope to see is that, in another year’s time, more attractions are more well known and well developed in this area; but also, (we are) looking at service delivery and quality as well,” Phillips told the Department of Public Information (DPI) during a recent interview.

The GTA is working with communities to create a more diverse tourist experience in the region, she said, as she explained, “We really want to ramp up the work here, and we have actually begun already. We have begun assessments in Malali, for example, along the river, and we will continue to do those. We have got some assessments also earmarked for the Kwakwani area and along the way. So, we are looking at both riverine communities as well as the mainland.”
Elite Kayaking and Nature Tours, a company that was established at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, is one of the tour companies that have been working with the GTA to create memorable tourist experiences for those visiting the region. Speaking with the DPI, Deon Anderson noted that his business has helped to change the perception of Linden.
“A lot of people come to see the blue lakes, but when they come, they venture out into other areas, and they see Linden is a lot more than just the blue lakes,” he stated.

He noted that eco-tourism development has great potential in the region, as there are many waterways, lakes, creeks, and blue lakes, and developing those areas would bring economic development and open up new opportunities.
“Many times, when people think of Linden, they don’t necessarily think of tourism. They (see) Linden as an area for mining an area for business; but now the tourism is developing, because people’s eyes are opened when they see the capabilities of what can be done,” Anderson has said.
He noted that activities like the swimming and kayaking competitions have used the waterways in a different way to create new attractions for persons to enjoy. And with its close proximity to the city, Linden is a convenient location for weekend getaways for relaxation and adventure.