– investment coming at a good time – President Ramotar

THE landscape of the East Bank of Demerara, in addition to the expansion of the four-lane highway, has seen another change with the opening of the multimillion dollar Park Vue Hotel, yesterday, at Farm.

President Donald Ramotar, who cut the ceremonial ribbon, pointed out that the investment is coming at good time, with changes in Guyana’s visibility as a tourism destination and the massive development thrust of his government.
According to him, the tourism sector is expected to be a major economic pillar of the local economy and the contribution of investments, like the Park Vue Hotel, will see the sector better equipped.
The Head of State pointed to the increase in arrivals that is expected with both the massive modernisation project at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) and the negotiations with different airlines to increase airlift to Guyana.
“There is a huge diaspora wanting to come home,” he said, adding that there are several other untapped markets for Guyana to venture into.
Ramotar stated that the massive investment, in addition to boosting the local tourism sector, will also support the creation of jobs – a welcome benefit of such undertakings in the private sector.
He also stressed his government’s commitment to continue to create an environment that is supportive of the private sector, more particularly by creating a tourism product that is second to none in the world.

POSITIVE INVESTMENT
Acting Tourism Minister, Irfaan Ali, who also made remarks at yesterday’s opening, noted that the investment is a positive one on many fronts and sees the focus moving from the Capital city to outlying areas.
He pledged his Ministry’s support to the working with the proprietors and mentioned working together on the establishment of a water park to complement the existing facility.
Ali stated that 2014 will be a “big year” for the tourism sector, in particular with Guyana hosting the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) games,
“This is the greatest investment in sporting tourism in the Caribbean,” he said.
The minister referred to other work being done to increase marketing efforts in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom and other European countries and made it clear that continued local investment will support these efforts.

He stressed that the investment today is an assurance of a strong tomorrow.
One of the proprietors, Sheron Persaud, in introducing the establishment noted that the design features a “fresh and modern” style in local hotels and added that the staff is focused on providing visitors a “signature” experience.
She added that the hotel’s 200 plus rooms reflect five custom styles, with costs ranging from US$99 to US$199.
The hotel, which has a black, white and grey colour scheme, also boasts a pool, a lounge, a restaurant and a gift shop.
The facility’s conference room, Persaud said, is expected to be completed in March this year.
The family-owned hotel not only had its ceremonial opening yesterday, but also began its operations.
Also present at yesterday’s function were government ministers, private sector heads and stakeholders, as well as close family and friends.
After the opening, guests were treated to a tour of the spanking new hotel.

(By Vanessa Narine)