In recent times, the growing trend in the Sports arena has been the capitalisation on Sport Tourism by various disciplines in order to boost their sport, support and the economy.
Lusignan Golf Club President Aleem Hussain
This has been the going thing, and was first recognised as an important factor during this year’s staging of the Hero Caribbean Premiere League (CPL), which attracted scores of tourists to Guyana in their staging of seven matches.
As such, sport tourism is known to create partnerships between sporting associations and the private sector for the betterment of the sport and those involved.
The latest sport to come on board with this initiative is golf.
Speaking at the launching of their annual Guyana Open Cup, Minister of Social Cohesion, with Responsibility for Sport, Dr George Norton, touched on the importance of sport tourism to Guyana, highlighting the strides that the Golf Association has made in capitalising on such a lucrative sector.
“What is important to note is that the Golf Association has now fully partnered with the Guyana Marriott Hotel and several other hotels to create golf packages which are important to the promotion of this sport in and out of Guyana,” Dr. Norton said, disclosing one of many initiatives.
Following Minister Norton’s announcement of a new golf course that is slated to be built in Guyana, starting as early as 2019, President of the Lusignan Golf Club, Aleem Hussain, shared on the impact that the course would have on the club’s participation in sport tourism.
“Sports tourism in Guyana is going to go to a whole new level. We’re estimating, based on the meetings, we’re going to need another 5 hotels just for golf tourism. That is how impressive and attractive this is going to be for us,” Hussain elatedly noted.
Additionally, on board with the Golf Club for their upcoming Guyana Open is Trans Guyana Airways, which is in a great position to further the sport tourism agenda.
The company has noted its readiness to provide visitors and international players with a great view of Guyana.
“Cause, as people would know, sports is very important to the development of a country, in terms of tourism and travel, and that’s our main area of operation,” a representative of Trans Guyana Airways stated.
The company is willing and ready to entice visitors with travel packages, resorts and tours, aside from people having a good time playing golf.
