Regional tourism stakeholders were given the opportunity of identifying key tourism hotspots across Region 10 (Upper Demerara- Berbice), as the Regional Tourism Planning Workshop moved to the community on Friday.
Director General of the Department of Tourism within the Business Ministry, Donald Sinclair, facilitated the interactive session where topics such as understanding the tourism sector and lively group sessions were conducted. Sinclair indicated that the future plan of the initiative is to successfully develop the region’s tourism product for retail, as he posited that it possesses countless interesting attractions.
“Region 10 has an industrial heritage, which I think is, in some ways, unique… Linden was the home of the bauxite industry… In fact, there is a proposal for the development of an industrial park which will showcase this industrial heritage of Linden,” he stated.
Tourism stakeholders at the workshop in Linden
Apart from that, Sinclair noted that the Demerara River, which runs through the town, is also an important attraction.
“River fronts offer enormous opportunities for tourism, once they’re properly conceptualised and properly planned,” Sinclair posited. He continued that Linden also boasts a proud sport heritage, which can also be developed, while he stressed the potential of numerous sites, including the water wheel, in driving cultural tourism. He noted further that for the first time in Guyana, there will be a sports tourism workshop at the end of May, aimed at raising awareness on the benefits of this form of tourism.
According to Sinclair, the region already possesses the potential and enthusiasm, but he noted that it is only a matter of coming up with concrete proposals for tourism hotspots.
These, he explained, can be identified as those which pose tourism appeal and can provide wonderful experiences and enjoyment for tourists. Other criterion for identification of such spots includes accessibility, safety and the services offered.
Coconut Festival, which was hosted a while ago, was a fantastic and highly impressive initiative. He said the Linden Town Week and River Front Festival also provides opportunities for the boosting of cultural tourism, while he urged to strengthening of ties with the Diaspora when events such as these are hosted, noting that there is a lot of focus internationally on the Diaspora. Further, Sinclair pointed to the fact that there is an estimated one million Guyanese living abroad. He also spoke about the development of sustainable green tourism and its positive effects in ensuring long-term benefits for the eco-system as well as local economic vitality and supporting the local economy in addition to the development of domestic tourism.
Generally, Sinclair explained that Guyana has a vast array of natural and cultural resources, as he stressed the importance of local awareness and tapping into new markets. He pointed out that last year was the best year for Guyana, having received 235,279 visitors but noted that February is generally not a good month, despite the hosting of the Mashramani celebrations. Interestingly, Sinclair noted that there are about 1000 Cubans coming to Guyana each week, referred to as ‘shopping tourists.’
