Tourism Awareness Month: Guyana cannot advance sector with archaic approaches, non-adaptive strategies – Minister

…to advertise for developers of new eco-lodges, resorts

With the global tourism industry beginning to emerge from the devastation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Tourism, Industry, and Commerce Minister Oneidge Walrond has assured that the Government will do all that is possible to ensure the re-emergence of the sector.
She said so in a message to mark Tourism Awareness Month which is being observed this month under the theme, “Preparing for a New Frontier – Stimulating innovation within the tourism sector”.

The Minister said that although international travel has resumed under strict protocols and hotels reporting improved occupancy, the world continues to battle the pandemic, and this speaks volumes to the challenges being faced in managing the resurgence of the sector.
Against this backdrop, Walrond said that while the world is in unchartered territory, the tourism sector must continue to rebound as many individuals, families, businesses, and communities depend on it for survival. But according to her, this new frontier requires innovation.
“We cannot advance the sector with archaic approaches and non-adaptive strategies and services. As policy makers and stakeholders, we must refine our tourism offerings. Our approach now leans towards the kinds of interventions needed to reinvigorate the industry and appeal to visitors whose expectations have evolved. These are adjustments we must make as we move forward in this new frontier,” she said.

To this end, she noted that the Ministry is approaching innovation from three fronts “our product, processes, and marketing.” According to her, the Government has been offering incentives to those willing to invest in the sector. This, she added, has resulted in four internationally-branded hotels currently under construction, while another one will begin in a matter of weeks.
Walrond pointed out that the introduction of these hotels will significantly enhance the quality room stock and improve Guyana’s capacity to host large events. She said that the facilities at the Cheddi Jagan international Airport (CJIA) have also been enhanced thereby adding the capacity to board larger aircraft, which means the capacity for more passengers.
She added that these infrastructural developments lay the groundwork for modern approaches to the sector.

New eco-lodges, resorts
The Minister explained that Guyana is uniquely positioned as a premier destination for eco-tourism with numerous eco-lodges and camping sites, especially throughout the interior regions. And with an understanding of the still untapped potential, she pointed out that the Government will soon publish expressions of interest for the development of new eco-lodges and resorts offering attractive incentives.
Moreover, she said that under the recently launched expanded Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), there will be a focus on stimulating future low-carbon growth through further development of the country’s tourism potential utilising waterways for niche options such as angling tourism.
The Minister added, “The Government remains cognisant that beyond infrastructural advances, there must be improvement of the product itself. That is why the Ministry continues to invest heavily in training across the sector. We are engaging foreign partners to train 6000 locals with the tourism industry. We also remain resolute in the development of tourism offerings in every region of Guyana.”
She disclosed that the Ministry, through the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), continues to roll out new attractions. This month, there will be the launch of seven new experimental products; this will take the total to 10 new products launched within a year.
She added that the vision is to continue to aggressively diversify tourism options to make the industry more appealing to local and international visitors.
Finally, the Minister said that new approaches will also see greater attention placed on the intertwining relationships between tourism and culture, sport, religion, art, and food.
“As such, the Ministry will be deepening our collaboration with other Government agencies, cultural and religious groups to exploit the possible benefits of synergistic relationships.” In closing, she said that everyone is optimistic about the return of the tourism sector, but this will only happen if we remain safe.

New app
Meanwhile, the Director (ag) of GTA, Karnrul Baksh, announced the launch of the agency’s Tourist and Tourist Service Provider App which will allow travellers to be updated on the travel protocols and key information as well as a tracking feature.
In the same vein of innovation, he said that the GTA has collaborated with the Bureau of Statistics to launch the digitised visitor exit motivation survey, which will be piloted at the Eugene F Correia International Airport. “l believe these will be excellent additions to our efforts to provide safe tourism experiences and reinvent the way travellers’ experiences are handled,” he noted.
Also, he said that the GTA has collaborated with conditionally approved tour operators and lodges and resorts to provide special tour packages during this month. In urging Guyanese to check out the packages, he added, “Guyana’s tourism sector has immense potential, which is only just being realised”.
He nevertheless expressed confidence that through a consistent level of multi-sectoral and highly integrated stakeholder collaboration, the country’s tourism sector will reach new heights.
Baksh added that through the Government’s robust COVID-19 vaccination campaign, Guyana will certainly solidify efforts to offer safe tourism experiences to travellers.
The GTA Director noted too that during this month, stakeholders will recognise the growth of the sector amidst the COVID-19 pandemic as well as the remarkable resilience and leadership that have been demonstrated and just how much of a stringent, yet coordinated approach, was necessary for recovery. (G1)