15% increase in tourist arrivals projected for Guyana this year

The Ministry of Tourism is projecting a 15 per cent increase in tourist arrivals this New Year and has scheduled several FAM trips.

The tourism sector is very important for showcasing a country’s cultural diversity, as well as its socio-economic potential. And with the attention “Destination Guyana” is receiving, there is no doubt that the sector will be propelled to greater heights in 2015, the ministry said.

In 2014, the sector, through a series of tourism activities, experienced great strides in promoting Guyana as a prime tourist destination. The activities provided perfect opportunities for thousands of tourists and locals to experience the country’s rich, diverse culture. Guyana is now internationally recognised as a viable eco-tourism destination, as well as a bird watching sanctuary. The country has already been featured in many British Broadcasting Corporation’s (BBC’s) programmes on these two areas (eco-tourism and bird-watching). No doubt it has been getting the attention of thousands of visitors, coming to the country eventually to experience its tropical delights, inclusive of the rich flora and fauna, and its cultural diversity.

Tourist arrivals

The Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) recorded another growing year of arrivals, and as of November 2014, Guyana scored a 13 per cent increase in its tourist arrivals, as opposed to the same period in 2013. The country also recorded several record months including July, August, September and October, topping the ‘best-ever’ since 1995. This increase represents visitors from across the Caribbean Region, especially from Suriname and Jamaica, and from Brazil. Several tourists have come to Guyana on ‘familiarisation trips’.

Guyana continues to receive international recognition and several new documentaries were completed over the year. These add to the major publications featuring the country. They usually highlight several aspects of the growing tourism industry. Guyana was also featured in several renowned magazines, namely the National Geographic.

In addition, the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) also provided an endorsement letter to Discovery Channel TV, whose officials visited Guyana in October to film episodes of “Naked and Afraid.” The GTA also requested temporary importation of film equipment for the film company. Further GTA provided an endorsement letter to BBC Television, to film Britain’s Secret Slave Owners in October.

An endorsement letter was also provided to CNN, to film “Big Earth” (August 14-20) in Guyana. Big Earth was commissioned by AlArab Channel, to produce a documentary in collaboration with CNN. Big Earth Productions featured Guyana in its “101 Amazing Adventures of the World” book, and is known for its exhilarating television productions, which feature extreme sports and travel adventures.

Festival

The Guyana Festival which featured the heart of Guyana through “sound, taste and soul” showcased the country’s culture, as well as tourism potential. This Festival was held from August 08-10 at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, and it offered a mixture of the country’s traditional music, dance, food, art and craft. In addition, the 2014 International British Bird Watching Fair, held in Rutland, England, had over 35 international bird watching companies selling Guyana. At the Fair, there were 20 international birding companies selling “Destination Guyana.”

Expos

GUYEXPO 2014 created great opportunities for the local promotion of tourism. This annual event began in 1995 and is now an annual expo, going back to 2004. The event showcases locally produced goods and services, while serving as an initiative for the creation of new markets, exports, and awareness for exhibitors. In 2014, the expo saw another very successful year, with 116 international exhibitors participating. The annual Moruca Expo, in its 10th year, served to showcase a variety of products and craft, produced by the community. The event also showcased the country’s eco-tourism potential.