TOURISM undoubtedly is playing an increasing role in the economies of many countries that, traditionally and historically, were not tourist-oriented. This no doubt, is recognition of the magnitude of the global tourism industry and its potential role in boosting economic growth and the creation of employment.

According to the World Travel & Tourism Council and International Hotel & Restaurant Association, Travel and Tourism is the world’s largest industry and creator of jobs across national and regional economies.

WTTC/WEFA research shows that in 2000, Travel and Tourism will generate, directly and indirectly, 11.7% of GDP and nearly 200 million jobs in the world-wide economy.

These figures were forecasted to total 11.7% and 255 million respectively in 2010.

Jobs generated by Travel and Tourism are spread across the economy –  in retail, construction, manufacturing and telecommunications, as well as directly in Travel and Tourism companies.

These jobs employ a large proportion of women, minorities and young people; are predominantly in small and medium sized companies; and offer good training and transferability.  

Tourism can also be one of the most effective drivers for the development of regional economies. These patterns apply to both developed and emerging economies.

The 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) and the Rio Earth Summit, identified Travel and Tourism as one of the key sectors of the economy which could make a positive contribution to achieving sustainable development.

Recognising the above, the current government of Guyana has been persistently and aggressively pushing this country’s tourism and hospitality sector and today, our budding tourism sector is growing at an encouraging rate.

Perhaps, its advancement would have been greater if the government did not have to virtually start the sector from scratch because the previous administration neglected it.

As a result of this long neglect, we have to do a lot of catching, particularly in relation to having an adequate number of trained personnel in the sector because tourism is a highly specialised business and there can be no compromise on the quality of service.

In fact, quality of service is a major determinant in attracting tourists.

In this regard therefore, it was encouraging to see a two-month long City Tour Guide Training Programme was successfully conducted by the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce and Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) in collaboration with Wilderness Explorers.

This is an example which shows that we have the right people who are overlooking and managing the sector, which is a vital factor in the success of any enterprise.

According to GTA Director Mr. Indranauth Haralsingh, “We have recognised the need to train and retain a sustainable pool of city tour guides to cater for the demand when cruise ships arrive and on other guided city tour opportunities.”

Haralsingh reminded that a number of training programmes were facilitated last year, including on customer service, taxi services, culinary skills, bookkeeping, as well as front-line duties for employees at Moleson Creek and Takutu border crossings.”

He explained that tour guides play a critical role in managing and orchestrating the tourists’ experience, enhancing destination image and implementing the goals of responsible tourism, because what they interpret and present has a huge impact on the visitors’ perception of a place and helps them understand the culture and engage in local activities.

Mr. Haraldsingh is correct. Tour guides are a must in the tourism business, and more importantly, well trained ones. Anyone who has had the experience of visiting foreign countries would be able to testify on the competence and importance of tour guides.

Therefore, the move towards training local tour guides is certainly a step in the right direction.