…as Region 9 resident wins ‘Snap N Share’ competition
The Tourism Industry and Commerce Ministry will soon launch a tourism product development grant which will enable persons who have ideas for new tourism experiences, to implement them through funding from the Ministry.
This was revealed by Tourism Minister Oneidge Walrond, during the awards ceremony of the ‘Snap N Share’ photography competition on Friday.
“We are going to launch our tourism product development grant programme. What that is, is that just out of this you can get ideas, and the public…or anyone can get ideas of an experience and we are going to be giving grants for the development of this product. The most innovative and beneficial experience, we will be grading it and you will be able to win a grant, depending on your proposal and how successful it is and how easily it can be implemented,” the Minister explained.
She further added that this is the Ministry’s way of incentivising innovation within the tourism industry.
Officials of the Tourism Ministry with the Awardees of the ‘Snap N Share’ photography competition
“It’s incentivising innovation in the tourism industry. That is what we want to see, more of us engaging in our tourism product,” Walrond shared.
The ‘Snap N Share’ photography competition was part of the observances for Guyana’s 57th Independence anniversary. The competition featured persons submitting photos taken from around various parts of the country, showcasing Guyana’s most popular, and unknown tourism destinations.
Prizes included a cellular phone, dinner for two, vacation to various locations as well as cash prizes of $100,000.
The first-place winner was Luke McKenna, who was awarded a cash prize totalling $100,000 a trip for two to Kaieteur Falls, courtesy of Evergreen Adventures, and dinner for two at Marriott Hotel.
Placing second was Lynmarie Demetro, who was awarded a brand-new cell phone, compliments of GTT, $75,000 cash as well as a day tour along the Essequibo River for two.
Coming in at third place was Candecy Peterson, who was awarded a cash prize of $50,000 as well as a dinner for two at the Marriott Hotel and a two-night stay at Karanambu Lodge.
In an interview with this publication, Demetro, who is a teacher with the Education Ministry, shared that in an effort to foster better cooperation with her students, she promised them a trip if they were successful in their assignments. While there she snapped a photo, capturing the moment with her students.
“As…they were not doing so well with their work I decided to give them a boost. So, I said if you submit all your assignments and do every work that you’re assigned to, I will take you on a picnic. And me living in Nappi now, I never went there…so there and then we decided that at the end of the term we will go,” Demetro told <<<Guyana Times>>>.
She noted too that she had no expectations going into the competition and she just entered for the fun of it.
Meanwhile, Peterson shared that she took her photo while on her way to a fishing trip with family.
“I took this photo last year August when I went up to the Annual District Games they usually keep [which] was held in Kako. After the games and everything was over my aunt and some other relatives were going on a fishing trip…and I went along. And going upstream up the river it was raining and then beautiful sunshine came out, and after the clouds and everything cleared up there you see these views,” Peterson shared.
Additionally, the Director of Karanambu Lodge, Melanie McTurk, shared that the organisation is proud to be a sponsor of the event and she is very excited to be welcoming a local Guyanese to the lodge, as their way of giving back.
