The Tourism Ministry is projecting another record-breaking year in terms of tourist arrivals to Destination Guyana, projecting a 15 per cent increase.
In 2013, an increase of 11.7 per cent was recorded. The Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) will continue to record numbers from all major ports of entry including Moleson Creek, Lethem, and the Ogle and Cheddi Jagan International airports.
According to a release, the ministry’s familiarisation trips are expected to attract more visitors. The “Fam” trip is proactive, cost effective and promotes the country, the ministry said.
Destination
Guyana is rapidly becoming a popular film and documentary destination. Numerous international broadcasting companies have shown interest in filming in the country. In 2013, the Discovery Channel filmed an entire season of the popular show “Gold Rush” and this year; there are plans for Alcon Films (producers of Twilight movies) to film part of a movie in Guyana.
The ministry, along with the GTA will strengthen collaboration with the private sector to host signature events throughout the year. These include the highly successful Fort Island Dinner, Masharama, Guyana Trade and Tourism Expo in New York and Canada, Leguan Night, and the South Rupununi Safari.
Guyana’s tourism sector is expected to be boosted significantly with the expansion of the CJIA and the Marriott Hotel. They both have the potential to stimulate Guyana’s economy, simultaneously creating a myriad of job opportunities and employment, which in turn will generate revenue.
Opportune time
An expanded airport of the scale and magnitude intended is coming at an opportune time where nationals of other countries will be given the opportunity of frequenting Guyana. It is a relevant investment, and will attract major carriers which will ensure that the benefits will be significant to improving commerce in the country. Several major carriers have already expressed their intention to begin plying the Georgetown route and others are expected to increase their flights.
The tourism sector’s efforts towards building a viable industry is one that is served by A-class services, and this was advanced in 2013 with the continuing construction of the Marriott, Guyana’s first five-star hotel. Work progressed rapidly, with the multi-storey edifice’s main building structure, and the east podium being completed, while work has moved apace on the other sections. The hotel is scheduled to be completed in August this year.
The GTA will continue to make available the Guyana tourism products information online through various means such as its websites, the social media and other available technologies. The Information Communication Technology (ICT) unit at the GTA will continue to focus on training, regulations, institutional strengthening, community development programmes, niche product development, and the continued development of standards, criteria or best practices for Guyana’s tourism products and services.
Guyana has been dubbed “South America’s best kept secret” by the renowned National Geographic Traveller Magazine. The publication listed Guyana as one of the 21 must see places in 2014.
