Georgetown: In an effort to strengthen enforcement of the regulations governing the Tourism and Hospitality Sector, the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) recently hosted a multi stakeholder meeting at its Sophia Office.
Representatives from the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), City Hall (Public Health), the Guyana Fire Service, and the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) attended the session and made contributions on behalf of their agencies.
These agencies are all responsible for issuing Certificates of Conformity to hoteliers and owners of interior lodges and resorts in Guyana.
“We need businesses to conform to the regulations and to become more competitive,” the GTA Director, Mr. Indranauth Haralsingh declared as the session proceeded.
Expounding on the importance of the timely engagement, Haralsingh pointed to the advantages of such interactions and the fact that it will aid in setting a common standard for businesses, expedite the licensing process, and ensure compliance with the Regulations and the law.
Each representative was briefed on the Regulations and told of the necessary requirements for tourism accommodation establishments and interior lodges and resorts; these businesses are required to have a certificate and/or license from these respective organizations before a license can be issued by the GTA.
Among the plethora of issues raised was the need for strengthened communication and interaction among all relevant agencies, as the Government seeks to advance the country’s tourism product.
In sharing their experiences, several of the participants also spoke of the need for closer monitoring and reiterated the need for interagency cooperation in tackling instances of fraud, misrepresentation and non compliance.
In this regard, all parties recognised the need for a revamping of the entire system and pledged to maintain closer interagency linkages, as they seek to garner better results.
Since its formal launch by the Minister of Tourism, Industry & Commerce, Minister Irfaan Ali in April 2012, the Regulations has gained momentum within the Tourism Industry.
Various awareness sessions were conducted throughout Guyana between the months of April and July and the inspection aspect began in September 2012.
The GTA Inspection Team started this process with Tour Operators and to date, thirty (34) are registered, nineteen (19) of which have been inspected.
The Inspection Team also began the process of inspecting Tourism Accommodation in December 2012; to date 100 are registered, of which 88 have been inspected; two hundred and twenty one (221) properties and individuals have so far registered with the GTA.
The Tourism Accommodation Establishments is a subsidiary Legislation, which is Regulations No. 16 of 2008. Regulations were gazetted on the 22nd November, 2008.
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