Guyanese urged to appreciate potential growth for tourism

…as Tourism Awareness Month launched

As the annual calendar of tourism awareness activities kicks off, Guyanese are being urged to actively participate in the promotion of the nation’s local products to raise awareness of the country’s unique tourism industry in observation of Tourism Awareness Month (TAM) 2018.
Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) and the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) have partnered to increase awareness and produce interest in the country’s cultural experiences and more so to make tourism accessible and affordable to everyone.
The annual hallmark event was launched on Wednesday at the Duke Lodge, Kingston, Georgetown, under the theme: “Promoting Sustainability and Celebrating Diversity”.
According to Business Minister Dominic Gaskin, Guyanese must first learn to appreciate the country and what it has to offer before they can properly sell the

destination.
“They say charity begins at home and if we want to sell Guyana as a visitor destination, I think it is important that we in Guyana, first of all, recognise Guyana as a visitor destination and treat Guyana as a visitor destination.”
Further, Gaskin noted that over the months there has been a significant increase in Guyana’s tourism sector and “there is a lot to celebrate with the growth of this sector“.
GTA Director Brian Mullis expressed similar sentiments, saying that the Authority has its focus on the growing social and economic benefits. “Our focus at the GTA has been on promoting and providing tourism that is designed to increase pride in and the protection of cultural heritage, reduce outmigration from rural communities, and protect biodiversity.”
Moreover, Mullis noted that every day should be geared towards promoting Guyana and everyone should be ambassadors of the country’s rich tourism.
“With the impending adoption of the Green State Development Strategy, we are well poised and positioned to become the leading sustainable destination.”
As usual, the activities in observation of this month include the Rockstone Fish Festival, Guyana Restaurant Week, the Explore Guyana Magazine launch, the South Rupununi Safari, among numerous training initiatives and talk shows aimed at promoting and celebrating Guyana.
THAG President Mitra Ramkumar urged all Guyanese to participate in these events as they would go a long way in helping the country’s growing tourism sector.
Meanwhile, he also explained that tourism has a tremendous impact on the economy, significantly contributing roughly just under 10 per cent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Among the numerous events and programmes launched on Wednesday were weekend getaways at discounted rates with more affordable options for Guyanese to explore Guyana.
Persons desirous of participating in the activities can look out for promotional information in the media over the next month. (Yanalla Dalrymple)