Pres Ali proposes eco-tourism park for Batavia, Reg 7

– as part of plan for developing hinterland’s eco-tourism potential

The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government has floated plans for the building out of an eco-tourism park in the hinterland community of Batavia, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), as part of Guyana’s drive to enhance its tourism credentials.
These plans were announced by President Dr Irfaan Ali while attending the opening Heritage Day celebrations in the Region Seven community on Sunday. According to the President, it is a project that his brainchild – Men on Mission – initiative could execute.
“The Minister (of Amerindian Affairs) would have covered all the important areas, but one of the most important things about this area, the Toshao would have spoken to me about, so after this week, what do we do with this area? Perhaps, with the Men on a Mission, we can work on creating the first what we will term an eco-friendly, eco-tourism park with the community.”

“And that is a park that will demonstrate how you can enjoy leisure, how you can enjoy health tourism within a natural framework. Within the heart of an eco-facility. So that is something we would love to work with you on.”
President Ali also recalled a conversation he had with the President of the Tourism Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG), Dee George. According to him, there is a need to make better use of infrastructure… both temporary and permanent, for tourism purposes.
“I was saying to the President of THAG… perhaps we too have to make better use of the infrastructure that we build at events like these. For example, the beautiful tents that you would have built
Batavia was selected as the heritage village for this year’s edition of Amerindian Heritage Month. As such, the village will be the centre of the Heritage Day village celebrations. The month-long activities will conclude with Amerindian heritage sports on October 1.
Guyana’s eco-tourism potential continues to be explored. Since 2021, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government had announced its intention to seek out investors to develop luxury-branded eco-tourism facilities throughout the country.
As the Government continues to engage investors on the possibility of developing luxury eco-lodges in Guyana, some potential investors recently visited several interior locations to scope out the opportunities.
Over the years, the Irfaan Ali-led Administration has had discussions with a number of interested investors and according to Tourism Minister Oneidge Walrond earlier this month, this interest continues to grow.
While no firm decision has been taken, Walrond had revealed that the Government has recommended several suitable locations for possible investments. It has been reported that the development of a ‘world-class’ eco-resort is needed to meet the demands of Guyana’s growing tourism industry.
It was also noted that the eco-resort will be linked to the ‘sun, sand and sea’ concept. Walrond revealed that the construction of the tourism and hospitality training institute has begun with secured funding of US$11.6 million from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB).
Further, the Minister noted that very soon some thirty (30) persons will be sent to Barbados to be trained in the area of tourism and hospitality, and upon their return, they will train other persons in the tourism sector in Guyana. Similarly, partnerships with St Lucia are also moving apace to enhance the tourism experience in both countries.