Tour operators now better equipped to offer safe, unique tourism experiences

Tour operators along the Mahaica River are now better equipped to provide safe and unique tourism experiences following the completion of the Risk and Emergency Management Training (EMT) through the Guyana Conservation Initiative (GCI). The programme was facilitated by Environmental Management Consultants Incorporated (EMC) in partnership with the Iwokrama Centre for Rainforest Conservation and Development (Iwokrama), with funding from the ExxonMobil Foundation.

The primary aim of the training was to equip tour operators with the necessary knowledge and skills to manage risks, handle emergencies, and promote safe and responsible tourism practices. Delivered in-person, the programme offered practical, hands-on experience, ensuring participants could confidently safeguard both tourists and the environment.
Key areas of focus during the four-day training included risk assessment and management (specifically related to water hazards), first aid, water safety, equipment use, tourist safety protocols, and environmental safety and conservation.

For their final exercise, participants were split into two groups and tasked with conducting a tour of the Mahaica River. During the tour, they demonstrated their skills by providing safety briefings, following boat operation procedures, and showcasing the importance of personal protective equipment while respecting local communities.
On Thursday last, the participants were awarded their certificates at a ceremony held at Little Biaboo, Mahaica. The certificate covers first aid and emergency response, reinforcing their readiness to handle any situation.
In his address, Managing Director of the EMC, Shyam Nokta, highlighted the ecological importance of the Mahaica Watershed, and stressed the need for sustainable tourism practices. He also expressed excitement about extending the training to other tourism zones in Guyana, and continuing efforts to enhance the quality of the tourism experience across the country.
Meanwhile, President of the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG), Omadele George was pleased with the training and noted that Guyana’s tourism sector is in safe hands with these tour operators and the initiative to train operators in case of emergencies is commendable.
Similar sentiments were shared by Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), Kamrul Baksh, who expressed that this training will bridge gaps in Guyana’s tourism industry and elevate the country’s tourism profile. He believes that such high-quality training, if extended to other tourism locations, will enhance the safety and experience of tourists visiting Guyana.
Among the companies that benefited from the training were Mahaica River Tours, Touring Guyana, 592 Tours, Savannah Tours, Wilderness Explorers, Eco Travels, St Cuthbert’s Mission members, and staff from both the GTA and EMC.
The training emerged from a forum held in July 2024 between EMC, GTA, and THAG, which engaged tour operators working along the Mahaica Watershed. This collaborative effort highlighted the need for enhanced safety protocols and sustainable tourism practices, resulting in the training initiative.