In Budget debate…
– says aim is to make Guyana the destination of choice
MINISTER of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Mr. Manniram Prashad, has reported that 2010 was a very successful and eventful year for tourism in Guyana.
He said his ministry embarked on a market-led strategy to “harness our potential and grow the sector.” Making his contribution to the debate on the 2011 National Budget on Monday last, Prashad told the National Assembly: “I believe that tourism has the ability to transform Guyana into a world class destination and every member in this House should support our drive.”
He said this country has witnessed excellent returns on investments, a clear indication of growth and expansion in the sector.
“Tourism supports thousands of jobs and creates employment for many Guyanese. It also generates revenue and foreign exchange and has been, increasingly, attracting both local and foreign investors. Many of our hinterland communities have seen and are enjoying the benefits of tourism as a means of livelihood,” Prashad stated.
He said the sector’s expansion is evident in the 2010 record- breaking visitor arrivals, which points directly to visitors’ confidence in Guyana as well as the success of the marketing initiatives and programmes of the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce and Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), in collaboration with the private sector.
Continuing, Prashad said: “In 2010, Guyana saw a record- breaking year for arrivals, with a 6.3 per cent increase over 2009, despite the world financial crisis. For the first time, Guyana has achieved the milestone figure of 150,141 arrivals.”
He mentioned that the United states (U.S.) accounts for 54.7 per cent; the Caribbean 19.3 per cent; Canada 16.7 per cent; Europe 5.5 per cent; South/Central America 2.2 per cent and the rest of the world 1.6 per cent.

HUGE ACHIEVEMENT
“This is a huge achievement for Guyana, taking into consideration that tourism is fairly new in Guyana,” Prashad commented.
He said the arrivals were recorded at Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) only and do not include Lethem and Moleson Creek entry points and Ogle Airport, locations from where  the records will  be captured in 2011, along with cruise ships and yachts visits.
Prashad also pointed out that the past year was also an excellent one in which the sector achieved greater diversification and expansion into key areas, notably Bird Watching , Eco-tourism, Adventure Tourism, Wildlife Watching, Community Based Tourism, Agro Tourism, Sports Tourism, Sport Fishing  and Yachting and Cruise visits.
He said: “In 2010, Guyana welcomed the cruise ships ‘VISTAMAR’ and ‘CLEA 11’ which docked at the Guyana National Shipping Corporation Wharf for a day and two more cruise ships are expected in the first quarter of 2011.
In addition, Prashad said his ministry is currently working with international tour companies and cruise liners to attract smaller and medium- size  liners to Guyana, while yachts continue to arrive, especially in the Bartica area of the Essequibo River.
He said there have also been many infrastructural improvements to support the country’s growing tourism industry, among them the Takutu Bridge opening, which has boosted cross- border tourism and trade between Guyana and Brazil; the Berbice Bridge which provides hassle- free travel and trade between Berbice and other parts of Guyana and facilitates easier travel to and from Suriname; Ogle Airport, now an international terminal with an improved runway being constructed and, when completed, will be 4,200 feet long and able to accommodate Dash-8 aircraft.
Prashad also referred to better telecommunications countrywide, with more hinterland areas and remote communities having access to telephones.
“This improvement in communication is certainly a plus for tourism,” he declared.
With regard to inter-agency collaboration which promoted growth in the industry, Prashad said his ministry and GTA have been making strides, through  the strengthening of working relations with the private sector locally and abroad; the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana ( THAG); United States Agency for International Development-Guyana Trade and Investment Support (USAID-GTIS) Project; Iwokrama; Conservation International; airlines; the Private Sector Commission (PSC); Chambers of Commerce;and the Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO), among others.
He concluded:“Mr. Speaker, 2011 will build on the momentum of 2010 and I am optimistic that we will expand tourism, receive more visitors, increase occupancy and increase visitor expenditure and experience, as together we strive to make Guyana the destination of choice.”

PULL QUOTE:
“Mr. Speaker, 2011 will build on the momentum of 2010 and I am optimistic that we will expand tourism, receive more visitors, increase occupancy and increase visitor expenditure and experience, as together we strive to make Guyana the destination of choice.” – Tourism Minister Manniram Prashad

PULL QUOTE:
“Guyana has an irresistible combination of fascinating and breathtaking natural beauty;pristine Amazonian rain-forests; immense waterfalls; amazing wildlife; a vibrant, indigenous culture; rich cultural heritage; and the most hospitable and friendly people in the world. Guyana is a paradise for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and the eco- tourist alike. Our beautiful country is a tropical paradise and has much to offer; adventure, tranquility, history, beauty, nature and an inimitable blend of warm and friendly people with the richness of many cultures.” – Guyana Tourism Authority website