– New tourism concept gets tripartite endorsement on introduction at Aracari resort
THE free and stable economy of Guyana, coupled with a developing tourism sector, is poised to embrace the concept of ‘Staycation’ in an effort to advance the latter and keep the dollar at home, Tourism Minister Mr. Manniram Prashad said Monday.

President of the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) Mr. Paul Stephenson; Tourism Minister Mr. Manniram Prashad; and Chief Executive Officer of Aracari resort Mr. Sase Shewnarain at the launch of the ‘Staycation’ concept on Monday last. (Adrian Narine photo)

Speaking about the ‘Staycation’ concept, at Aracari Resort at Versailles, West Bank Demerara, where it is being piloted, Minister Prashad said this country is introducing it for the first time as an added incentive.

Through the initiative, guests are being offered 20 per cent discount on all hotel packages for staycation holidays and Prashad said Aracari is a vacation resort, not an eco-resort.

It is also a base from which the vacationer can access all local attractions and tours including to eco-resorts.

A ‘staycation’ is a period of time during which an individual or family stays at and relaxes at home or takes day trips to area attractions and it has achieved high popularity in the United States (U.S.) and the United Kingdom (UK).

Noting that, Prashad said: “We are developing and growing in the tourism industry and a concept like ‘staycation’ is both timely and welcome.”

He said the local tourism industry has seen significant developments in various areas and arrivals here have, to date, increased by 9.4 per cent.

Prashad also said that, since 2007, hotel capacity has increased, from under 300 rooms to at least 2,000 rooms and there has been success with birding and other eco-tourism products and recognition in the international market.

However, while recognising that Guyana as a tourism destination was performing well internationally, he said more works are being undertaken to boost the enterprise locally.

In this regard, Prashad said ‘staycation’ is good, as it allows Guyanese to experience their own country.

He observed that a number of new events have been taking place across the country at Bartica, Orealla and Mainstay regattas; Moruca Expo, Wakenaam Night; Mahdia Expo; Rockstone Fish Festival; motor racing; cricket matches; horse racing and mega concerts and fashion shows, all providing avenues for the advancement of tourism.

Prashad said, from his ministry’s perspective, projects are ongoing to develop destinations like Number 63 Beach, Corentyne, Berbice.

He acknowledged, though, that tourism is not the Ministry’s effort only but requires the contribution of a cross-section of stakeholders.

In that context, Prashad lauded the contribution of the management of Aracari resort, particularly its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr. Sase Shewnarain.

The Minister noted that, unlike in countries like Barbados where 95 per cent of the industry is owned by foreigners, in Guyana that percentage is owned by Guyanese.

CONFIDENCE
“It shows the confidence that they have in the product, the confidence they have in the industry and in the Government to invest,” he said.

Prashad said Guyana has one of the most free and more liberal economies in this part of the hemisphere and is open for investment.

Shewnarain said ‘staycation’ is in response to a need and would serve the national good.

During times of economic hardships, ‘staycation’ is a means of conserving foreign currency and reducing expenses and, to save money, families can choose to stay home and enjoy the local attractions instead of travelling abroad, he suggested.

According to him, ‘staycation’ has evolved to mean not only spending time at home but vacationing in your country and Guyana and Guyanese have much to benefit from promoting it.

He said a simple survey of Guyanese abroad would indicate that a majority of them have not seen the attractions in their homeland nor experienced any local tours.

“Many left the shores of Guyana having never been in a decent restaurant, much less an international hotel. Many of those that can afford vacations pass up on the local attractions and tours and, instead, travel abroad. Many Guyanese who have been to Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Las Vegas, Miami, New York, Toronto, London and other foreign places have never seen Kaieteur Falls nor experienced a cruise in the Essequibo River or visited an Amerindian community or spent a week relaxing at a local international hotel,” Shewnarain stated.

Consequently, he said promoting ‘staycation’ not only helps the fledgling tourist industry but will also make Guyanese more aware of what Guyana has to offer for rest, relaxation and recreation.

Shewnarain urged employers, among them Government being the largest, to develop deliberate policies to direct that their allowances for vacation and travel be spent in the local tourist industry.

He said that will not only keep the dollar at home but also aid in the discovery of local attractions.

Shewnarain noted that each village, town, city, or region has its own uniqueness and should be defined and communicated to the area residents and the country as a whole.

He advocated a multi-faceted approach to define ‘staycation’ in the circumstances of Guyana to ensure its sustainability.

President of the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) Mr. Paul Stephenson pledged that his organisation will be supportive of the innovation.

“We are committed to ensuring that this concept succeeds,” he assured.

Stephenson concurred that ‘staycation’ addresses the needs of the local people and is good because, for too long, attention has been concentrated on the international market.

He said the timing to introduce the concept within tourism month sends the message that echoes the need to provide an outstanding experience.
Tourism Awareness Month observance in November is themed ‘Promoting Quality and Sustainable Tourism in Guyana’.