THE Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce and Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), in a continuing effort to boost the local industry, are geared towards tapping into new emerging markets.

Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Mr. Manniram Prashad, elaborated on the thrust last Sunday at the inauguration of Tourism Awareness Month 2009 in Bartica, under the theme ‘Promoting Quality and Sustainable Tourism in Guyana’.

Declaring that tourism is the industry of the future and growing in Guyana, he pointed out that it creates employment, brings in foreign currency, generates revenue, encourages and attracts investments, fosters infrastructural developments and cottage industries, helps to improve livelihoods and the standard of living, while providing opportunities for relaxation, exploration, leisure and enjoyments, as well.

Prashad said China, Holland and Brazil are emerging markets and Guyana is well positioned to penetrate them.

“I am optimistic that our arrivals will continue to rise and tourism will continue to expand as we tap into these new markets,” he said.

Outlining some of the positive tourism developments aiding Guyana’s ambition to be the destination of choice for nature, eco and adventure visitors, Prashad said arrivals in this country have been increasing and the 9.4 per cent, to date, shows confidence in the country and indicates success in the marketing and promotion of it by the Ministry, GTA and the other stakeholders.

He announced that Guyana has been granted the Approved Destination Status by China and will be participating in the Shanghai Expo which is being staged from June to November 2010.

Prashad said a number of quality initiatives, consistent with the theme are planned for the month, with particular focus on training and capacity building, for housekeeping and waiters, which include customer service; programmes for desk staff at hotels; taxi services and airport frontline staff.

Others are tourism awareness talks in schools, a national school poster competition on ways in which one could reduce carbon footprints, an e-marketing workshop and another on how to participate effectively in a trade show, birding familiarisation (FAM) tours of the Botanical Gardens for hotel guests, a tourism day of sports, a tourism industry awards ceremony, construction of an access bridge at Kumu Falls, Portuguese Language teaching for frontline staff at the Takutu River Bridge border crossing, launching of a tourism mini-poster series, hosting of the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organisation (ACTO) Fifth Technical Committee Meeting, participation at World Travel Market and commissioning of facilities at Number 63 Beach, Corentyne, Berbice.
Prashad also reminded that Private Sector partners are offering special packages and rates to Kaieteur Falls and other places during this month.