Guyana’s tourism sector rebounded with pace – GTA Director

In an effort to ramp up its awareness initiatives for World Tourism Day a few days ago, the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) strategically engaged all tourism associations, committees and other key sector players to develop activities that placed emphasis on this year’s theme – “Rethinking Tourism”.
GTA Director Kamrul Baksh shared that the sector is making its mark again after rebounding.
“As Guyana celebrates together with the rest of the world, World Tourism Day, it is important to reflect on the challenges that the tourism sector endured particularly in the last two years. The sector showed resilience at its most difficult moment and has since rebounded with amazing pace and the results prove that the recovery road is well underway. However, as the sector emerges into a new light, new challenges lie ahead. Travellers have become more discerning, expecting a higher level of service, safety, quality tourism offerings and an overall good experience.”
Baksh added that Guyana has embarked on a pathway to create new tours and packages for all the right types of travellers. Crucially, the efforts to integrate the Caribbean Region will allow Guyana to tap into new markets, as opposed to focusing on saturated ones.
“This diverse product portfolio will allow us to cater to the international and business markets but also the diaspora and domestic markets. The digital expansion strategy will address the footprint issues and access to services. More seamless transactions translate into higher visitor satisfaction and that is a top priority for the sector. Importantly, Rethinking Tourism involves strengthening partnerships with all sector actors that will result in sustainable development. A stronger unit will reflect a positive image for Destination Guyana on the global stage.”
One of the priority areas of focus for the GTA in 2022 is to successfully launch 12 new tourism experiences in collaboration with the tourism private sector and tourism-focused communities.
This forms the basis of the GTA expanding its reach and diversifying the country’s tourism product offerings. As such, four new tourism experiences were launched in recognition of World Tourism Day.
Through Touring Guyana, the Mangrove Heritage Tour and the New Amsterdam Heritage Trail Tour will certainly attract history lovers who are seeking to incorporate softer adventure experiences into their itineraries. Azure Experiences on the other hand, through their new offerings – The Kopinang Waterfall Tour and the Yoga Breakfast and Nature Walk Tour adds a unique twist to adventure-based experiences.
Earlier in September, the GTA launched the Bush Cow Eco Trails Experience in Nappi Village, and the Quarrie Waterfall Tour, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo). This brings us to a total of six new experiences launched thus far in 2022.
As the GTA embarks on enhancing key sites around the country, a mural was unveiled at the Moleson Creek Ferry Terminal. This mural, produced by Colin Nedd, aims to provide a welcoming atmosphere to persons who will be entering Guyana at this port of entry. This initiative ties into the GTA’s inclusive, multi-stakeholder approach to tourism development.
Additionally, the Director of the GTA, Kamrul Baksh, in collaboration with the Mayor of Bartica, Gifford Marshall, as well as the Bartica Tourism Committee officially launched the Baracara Falls Tourism Enhancement Initiative. The team also took part in a clean-up session.
“The GTA is committed to providing the necessary support to all of our tourism destinations to ensure that they provide the highest quality of service to visitors. After all, protecting our environment starts with respecting our environment,” the agency said.
Other major activities included The Imbotero Research Centre Documentary shot in Region One; a mini tourism fair and expo held in Anna Regina, Region Two; promoting a tri-island hopping Tour with Trail Masters Adventure Tours; A Tourism Destination Feature Video promoted by Region Five Tourism Committee in Mahaicony; and the Karasabai Conservation Group & South Rupununi Conservation Society hosting the first bird fair at Manari Ranch, Region Nine. The Linden Regatta Camp, Region 10, was hosted by Elite Kayaking.