GCCI partners with tourism agencies to improve service delivery

The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) has launched a new project through funding from the Caribbean Development Bank, with the aim of improving service delivery in the tourism and hospitality sector in Guyana.
In a press statement, the Chamber announced that the project is in collaboration with the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) and other stakeholders within the industry.

Under the theme “Strengthening Service Delivery in the Tourism and Hospitality Sector In Guyana”, the expected impact of this project is an increase in the overall competitiveness of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the tourism sector through an improvement in the quality of service delivered in the industry.
According to Caribbean Technological Consultancy Services (CTCS) Project Liaison Officer, Eusi Evelyn, they designed the project in keeping with planned deliverables as part of the agreement between the CDB and the GCCI. This project will see an increase in number to trained personnel working in various roles across the tourism sector and persons aspiring to enter the sector in hospitality and service delivery functions. It is also expected that access to vulnerable groups and persons with disabilities in the tourism sector will increase.
Executive Director of the GCCI, Richard Rambarran also noted, “This project will serve as a catalyst for the tourism industry. It will aid in the development of an industry which is important to Guyana’s future in the upcoming decade. The GCCI will continue to play its role in spurring Private Sector development and, by extension, national development.”

Meanwhile, GTA Director Carla James had pledged support from her entity, since the primary objective is focused on developing quality, standardised curricula for the tourism and hospitality sector that will be delivered by institutions across the country, making it more accessible for persons to receive the training needed to enter and enhance the skills of the tourism workforce.
This project will allow tourism workers to formalise their training in fundamental areas in various tourism specialities which has been a challenge for them to obtain over the years. High-quality curricula delivered by experts will boost the industry’s capacity and competency and this, in turn, will transform the country’s hospitality experience economy in a new light.
This aspect of the initiative will be carried out by the Masterclass Institute. Dr Rosh Khan, head of the local consulting firm contracted by the Caribbean Development Bank for this initiative, added, “Post-COVID Guyana will require an ‘all hands on deck’ approach to resuscitate the tourism and hospitality sector in Guyana. We look forward to playing our part in creating tailored-made and culturally-appropriate curricula that will assist to revitalise the tourism industry and raise standards nationwide.” (G12)