Workshop held to brainstorm agro-tourism opportunities

The Tourism Ministry and the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), in collaboration with the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), hosted a workshop aimed at exploring agro-tourism opportunities consistent with Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy.

The symposium was part of a series of activities during Tourism Awareness Month 2011 being observed under the theme “Achieving Service Excellence through Training”. The objectives of the one-day session, which was held at the Splashmin’s Eco Park and Resort on the Linden/Soesdyke Highway, were to broadly define agro-tourism, with specific reference to Guyana’s potential and current offerings; list the major planks of Guyana’s development strategy that involve the natural environment; identify the benefits of linking agriculture with tourism; discuss challenges and issues; describe and promote at least one successful agro-tourism enterprise; and develop a proposal for agro-tourism enterprises.

Participants included United States Agency for International Development/Guyana Trade and Investment Support (USAID/ GTIS); National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute; Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana; Kingdom Apiary; Aquaculture Association of Guyana; Onverwagt Aquacultural Enterprise Inc; Bounty Farm Ltd; Conservation International; Splashmin’s; North Rupununi District Development Board; Carnegie School of Home Economics; North West Organics; Mangrove Reserve – Wellington and Cove & John; Gardenland Nursery; Mainstay Village; Guyana Rice Development Board; Guyana School of Agriculture; Rock View Lodge; and Guyana Sugar Corporation.

In welcoming remarks, GTA Director Indranauth Haralsingh, said GTA is fully aware of the potential that agro-tourism has as a niche product and market in Guyana, which is well-poised to be considered the breadbasket of the Caribbean.

Alluding to the challenges in the Caribbean, he said, Guyana is well positioned and has a number of strategic advantages in this area. “As an agriculture-based economy, there are numerous opportunities for agro-tourism in Guyana for farm-based tourism, eco agro-tourism and agro forestry. The linkages and partnerships between our farmers and the visitors are strong, as our locally produced foods make its way to the menu and delightful meals served to our locals and visitors through restaurants and hotels,” he said.

He referred to good examples of agro-tourism best practices like Rock View Lodge and Splashmin’s, and said it is important to further develop this niche market “so as to provide our visitors with a more enriching experience and an appreciation for our food, culture, and heritage”. He also pointed out that it is important that coastal and hinterland communities seize the opportunities, which can generate income, create employment, and enhance their livelihood. Haralsingh said that the GTA will conduct a study on agro-tourism in Guyana looking at demand, supply, opportunities, linkages, challenges and will subsequently devise with an agro-tourism plan.