National Tourism Policy draft ready for Cabinet

By: Merissa Wilson

Guyana’s tourism sector is set for growth and advancement in the very near future as the Ministry of Tourism and Public Telecommunications is prepping to have the National Tourism Policy presented to Cabinet for its approval.
The much anticipated policy, after consultations with a number of pertinent stakeholders, has finally been drafted and once approved by Cabinet will make its way to Parliament for debates and implementation.

This comprehensive policy is said to be inclusive of the input of stakeholders after a series of public consultations was made during the course of drafting.
This is according to the Minister of Tourism Catherine Hughes, who disclosed that the ministry will be embarking on presenting the policy to Cabinet meeting, slated for next week.
Hughes said the policy was endorsed by a number of pertinent bodies including the Tourism and Hospitality Association (THAG). This policy she outlined: “Had received positive feedback from these bodies and had been agreed upon as being one of the most effective approaches to reforming the tourism sector”
The National Tourism Policy falls under the budget allocation of $98.1 million that was earmarked to the ministry for its projects in 2016. This policy targets activities such as sports fishing, sports tourism as motor racing and cricket; yachting and cruise visits along with entertainment and cultural tourism.
Most significantly, the policy had been crafted to renew legislations including that of yachting which had been on the front burner of THAG over the years.