TOURISM Minister, Cathy Hughes has been in the news with her plan for the tourism sector. I applaud Mrs Hughes on her appointment. She seems to be developing a sincere spirit of hospitality with a passion for service. She deserves kudos for trying to expand what is a tough sector of the economy.The Minister clearly wants tourism to play a bigger role in the economy than her predecessors. But with soaring crime over the last six weeks, people are fearful to journey to Guyana, so arrivals will decline instead of rise.
And once arrivals decline, there will be terrible effects on the economy: Declining GDP, loss of jobs, fall in circulation of money, etc.
So, Minister Cathy Hughes has to convince the Government to take drastic measures to reduce the crime spree. The Government must be proactive in going after criminals who prey on visitors.
The Minister is an outstanding PR person, and I am confident she can do the job of selling Guyana. Her pro-active role in focusing on tourism is most welcomed. She has hit the job running. But a lot more needs to be done in promoting tourism, especially in encouraging airlines to fly to Guyana.
Caribbean Airlines and Dynamic cannot meet market needs; another carrier is urgently needed, especially now that the fares are going through the roof. The competition will be good for reduced fares benefiting flyers.
The Government should approach Mr Nohar Singh of Travel Span for the airline to re-enter the Guyana market, and for ideas on how to boost tourism. Few, if any other Guyanese, is more qualified than he for that task. He should be offered incentives to lure him into the Guyana market after his bitter experience with the previous Government.
Tourism expansion should be closely connected with the private sector. Mrs. Hughes should consider holding a panel discussion among experts and travel agents on the role of tourism in the economy, especially in business expansion.
Guyana can be a great destination for travellers who look for a special type of vacation in the interior, or to be with friends and families. Guyana is close to North America and the Caribbean; there is great value, and we now have a five-star hotel (The Marriott) to attract high-end tourists. We also have great cuisine, and warm, hospitable people. Missing are the carriers and affordable fares and security. This should be the focus of Minister Cathy Hughes and the new Government.

VISHNU BISRAM