Tourism is backbone of economic growth – Minister Ali

VLUU L200  / Samsung L200Georgetown: The Government has designated tourism as a priority sector of the economy; it is contributing approximately seven percent to the Gross Domestic Product and providing directly 2,000-3,000 jobs. With the wealth of world class natural tourism attractions including vast trails of wilderness, rainforests, river systems, mountains and a variety of cultural and historic recognition of the country’s abundant natural resources, Guyana’s tourism product continues to grow and attract significant interest from investors and visitors alike.

Over the last 10 years, visitor arrivals have been increasing significantly to Destination Guyana, and in 2013, it was one of three countries in the Caribbean to record a double digit growth with an 11.7 percent increase.The increase represents visitors from across the Caribbean region, especially from Suriname, Brazil, and Jamaica. This is a result of several initiatives undertaken by the Ministry of Tourism, along with the GTA, including familiarisation trips, British Birdwatchers’ Fair in London, and Trade Shows in New York and Canada.

The year has begun began very aggressively for the sector with two international endorsements for the country. The National Geographic Traveler Magazine listed Guyana among the top 21 places to visit in 2014 while the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) listed the country among the top five. Both endorsements would have cost Guyana millions of dollars in advertisements.

The sector was described by Minister of Tourism (ag) Irfaan Ali as the backbone of the future economic growth and development of the country.

Many new initiatives have been planned for the sector to spread its wings and create new opportunities. The “Challenge Caribbean’ will be launched in collaboration with Kanuku Tours which will include hiking along the Shamrock Point mountain range in the Kanuku. This will be marketed in Jamaica and Trinidad to bring regional tourists.

University of the West Indies students will also be targeted for ‘back pack tours’ in collaboration with Essequibo tour operators. Work is ongoing to get at least 200 students to come in for a four- day period, the Minister stated.

Reflecting on international shows in Guyana, he said they will continue even as Easter and Rodeo are continuing to be marketed comprehensively in Jamaica and Suriname. Intentions are aimed at Fly Jamaica for a comprehensive tour package to encourage Jamaicans to come to Guyana.

The ‘Gold Festival’ will be launched to draw visitors to Guyana to engage in panning for gold. This will involve small gold miners and registered jewellery houses coming together to showcase the El Dorado and encourage regional participants into Guyana. This is expected to be launched during the CPL Cricket period in Guyana this year. Persons will be taken to a mined out area where they would be exposed to panning for gold.

Four cruise ships are expected in Guyana in 2014, with the first one ‘Minerva’ to arrive on Monday, March 24 with over 360 passengers. Additionally, the annual Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) meeting is also slated for Guyana this year with more than 200 Caribbean officials expected to arrive.

More than 50 visiting yachts arrived in Guyana last year, and already over 10 have visited foe this year. The yachting rally 2014 is hoped to attract more than 50 yachts. Meanwhile, plans are also underway through a proposal from an international investor to build a marina in Guyana. He is expected to present his proposal before the end of June.

Further, a Tourism Market is planned along the Lamaha Canal where a section can be set aside for local craft, culture and food. This is expected to attract tourists from cruise ships.

The GTA is also to be reworked and reorganised to become more proactive, aggressive and efficient in the delivery of its service.

Minister Ali also welcomed the exciting launch of new investments, including night clubs, restaurants, the golf course and hotels such as Park View and Marriot. The latter is slated to open its doors by the middle of the year. He also mentioned hotels in Lethem and another international brand hotel which will be coming to Guyana this year. He especially commended the Tuma Sàlà, Guyana’s first indigenous cuisine restaurant and urged local support for it.

Minister Ali also focused on the beginning of the construction of the 18- hole golf course on the Linden/Soesdyke Highway which would also attract tourists.

He commended the new flight services such as COPA and CONVIASA to Guyana which would enable more travellers to visit the country.

The Tourism Minister also pointed out that many concerts and festivals organised here have seen visitors arriving just to attend.

Arrivals in Guyana increased to date by 6.3% this year he observed, and “we will continue our aggressive marketing in the regional markets of Suriname, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago,” the Minister declared.