Georgetown : Closer collaboration between Guyana and Cuba in the tourism sector was discussed when Minister of Tourism (ag) Irfaan Ali met with Cuba’s Director of International Relations, Mr. Rosa Adela Mejias Jimenez in Havana on January 28.
This effort will result in immense benefits to Guyana from the knowledge gained from Cuba’s successes in tourism, according to Minister Ali.
Mr. Jimenez, through a power-point presentation, demonstrated to Minister Ali the strides Cuba has made in tourism. The presentation also contained a comprehensive analysis of that country’s related efforts.
During the meeting Minister Ali noted that Guyana’s tourism which is in its infancy stage can be boosted through collaboration with the Spanish- speaking country. He proposed an exchange programme between the two countries as part of their tourism drive to facilitate the teaching of Spanish and English for front line tourism staff and students.
In addition, Minister Ali proposed a programme of multi-destination tourism through joint marketing initiatives; development of a framework through which institutional strengthening and industry knowledge transfer can be shared, and exploring the possibility of using Cuba’s well connected and far reaching singular operator to be an agency which can position Guyana to benefit from their wide network.
In this regard, Minister Ali mentioned that he will further these discussions through a high level delegation, inclusive of the private sector, which will travel to Cuba soon.
Mr. Jimenez commended Minister Ali for the initiatives he mooted, and said he looks forward to the collaboration which would further strengthen the already strong relationship between Guyana and Cuba. Accompanying Minister Ali at the Meeting were Guyana’s Ambassador to Cuba, Mitra Devi Ally and the Director of the Government Information Agency, Neaz Subhan.
Recognising these positive developments and continuous growth in the tourism sector, government has moved to implement projects such as the Marriott hotel and the expansion of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport to meet the growing demands.
In 2012, Guyana recorded a 17% increase in arrivals, and in 2013, was one of three Caribbean destinations to record double digit growth. The National Geographic Traveler has listed Guyana as one of the 21 ‘must see’ destinations in the world in 2014.
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