…Madhoo’s ‘Where and What’ guide marks 16th edition showcasing the best of Guyana
Gem Madhoo, publisher and editor
Sixteen years and 16 editions later, Gem Madhoo’s passion is still burning bright as she launches the latest version of her tourism guide, Where and What.
Inspired by a similar guide she discovered in Barbados, Madhoo set out to create something truly unique — a resource less focused on advertising and more on telling Guyana’s story and helping visitors experience it to the fullest.
Speaking during a recent telephone interview with this publication, she reflected on the journey and the era in which the guide began.
She highlighted that key parts of the book are designed to engage both international visitors and Guyanese themselves.
She shared that it took a few months to put this year’s edition together.
The guidebook is free, funded by advertising from various clients
Amid this, she noted that every year, new tourism resorts and hotels open, making it necessary to update the book annually to reflect these changes.
Madhoo added that this project is a true labour of love, as the guide grows alongside the industry. Information is continuously added and updated each year.
She also pointed out that there is a real need for materials like this in Guyana, as tourists often arrive with very little to help them explore the country.
“Even though there’s the Explore magazine, there’s still a lack of printed tourism resources. That’s why I believe in the value of a hard-copy handbook that people can carry around. A handy, convenient resource they can take wherever they go,” she said.
Madhoo explained that there is still a market of people who are traditionalists and look forward to having a physical copy to hold. Even though much has moved online — especially since COVID — there is still demand for something printed. Visitors appreciate picking up a book they can flip through, with all the attractions and tours right at their fingertips.
She started the project back in 2007, during the Cricket World Cup season, when Guyana welcomed many visitors but had nothing substantial to offer them as a tourism guide.
“Sixteen years and 16 editions later, I’m proud of how far it has come,” she said.
Madhoo noted that they try to make the guide as accessible as possible.
The Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) often distributes it to hotels and visitor spots. And for those who prefer a digital experience, a QR code on the cover allows access to the entire guidebook online.
Every hotel they partner with receives copies, and tourism and hospitality events also feature the book. A few copies are sent to local businesses as well. The book is funded entirely by advertising, allowing it to be free for readers.
Ultimately, Madhoo believes the guide is a valuable tool for Guyanese too. It helps them discover new places, share them with friends and family, and serves as a starting point for trips across the country. Whether people take it along on their own explorations or display it for visitors to browse, it has become an important way to showcase Guyana to the world.
Published by General Executive Management Services (GEMS Inc), the guidebook is the brainchild of its Publisher and Editor, Gem Madhoo-Nascimento.
World Cup Cricket in 2007 inspired the first publication. Since then, without fail, a new edition has graced the magazine stands of many tourism resorts, tour operator destinations, hotels, guest houses, travel agencies, airports, expos, regional and international trade fairs, and mega tourism events hosted by various Ministries. The publication has found its way into many schools, where teachers use it to expand their knowledge of Guyana and share it with their students. The guidebook is a mine of information for both Guyanese and visitors to our shores.
During the COVID years, it was difficult to keep publishing, but thanks to the continuous support of many Government agencies and private sector organisations, only one year was missed.
The 140-page guidebook continues to provide an exceptionally useful resource for the many visitors to our shores, whether on holiday or business. The detailed map of Georgetown and Guyana in the book provides valuable information to help visitors navigate the city and the country.
GEMS continues to work towards making it a complete tourism guide and directory, listing all hotels, lodges, restaurants, resorts, travel agencies, airports, airlines, taxi services, and more — as approved by the GTA.
