Publisher commended on fifth ‘Guyana-Where and What’
THIS country’s unique tourism product will continue to be promoted in the fifth instalment of ‘Guyana – Where and What’ magazine series, which boasts new features and concepts.
The publication was released last Friday at a ceremony in the South Road, Georgetown boardroom of the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, where Minister temporarily holding the portfolio, Mr. Irfaan Ali commended the publisher, Mrs. Gem Madhoo-Nascimento for her efforts in creating more awareness of the Guyana’s tourism potential.
Noting that the book will be circulated outside the country, as well, he projected that, with 2012 being an exciting year in the Tourism Sector, it would play a critical role in ensuring the Guyanese product is advanced and that Guyana is promoted and, more importantly, making sure that information is available to tourists and Guyanese returning home.
“It’s a publication that has great potential in bringing much needed information to one common place in this booklet where all Guyanese can access information on restaurants, nightclubs, hospitals, medical services and I think it’s an excellent compilation of what is important that is required, not just for the tourist but Guyanese at large,” he remarked.
In this regard, he took the opportunity to underscore the importance of the accessibility and sharing of knowledge, particularly in the sector, since this would definitely enhance Guyana’s ability to market its tourism and create awareness of what this country has to offer.
Alluding to the book’s content, especially as it relates to the Guyanese cultural attractions, Ali said it will serve to highlight the ministry’s intensified efforts at promoting cultural tourism in the diaspora. 
Ali had had announced, also last week, that the  Ministry of Tourism will be collaborating with the Private Sector and other stakeholders to offer packages for specific cultural events to the diaspora, in a bid to grow  the country’s tourism industry.
Meanwhile, Madhoo-Nacimento explained that circulation copies of the fifth edition has increased from 15,000 to 20,000.
She spoke of changes in the publication, saying: “We have several features in it and every year I try to add a bit more. This year I’ve added the festivals of Guyana, the various festivals we celebrate and I’ve added the going up to the North West Mabaruma Area.”
Madhoo-Nascimento expressed gratitude to the sponsors as well as the writers whose efforts and support made the project a reality.