In the last 10 years or so, this country has seen tremendous growth in its tourism sector and many classy tourist destinations have been established. It may be an overstatement, but it is a known fact that some of the destinations in Guyana are second to none in the entire Caribbean, most of whose economies are tourism driven.
Twenty years ago, very little was known about Guyana as a tourist destination. However, developments in this sector over the past 19 years have taken place by a government that has recognised the potential of the tourism industry, and has opened the doors for massive investments in the sector.
Today, 19 years on, we could boast about an industry that has grown to epic proportions with a propensity  to engage  any adversary in the stiffest of competitions.
However, as in a manufacturing company, if a product has been manufactured par excellence, but poor marketing strategies have been adopted, that product would be doomed to failure. Therefore, in recognition of our tourism potential, it is incumbent upon us to see to the best possible marketing possibilities for our dynamic tourism industry.
It is in this respect that we lend credence to the collaboration between the Ministry of Tourism and the private sector to produce tourism packages that would have a direct focus on the Diaspora.
It is no secret that we in Guyana enjoy a rich, diverse culture which provides the opportunity to target the Diaspora with special, exclusive packages prepared by the private sector and the government.
This by no means is the end of other efforts that may have been put in place to advance the tourism sector.
The people believe that the first joint government/private sector tourism package is attractive enough to command the attention of the Diaspora. We take note of the launch of the first five-day package for Phagwah celebrations in March.
All Guyana knows that Phagwah bears no barriers, and it is customary to find Guyanese abroad coming home to join in the celebration of the festival of Holi which is a very colourful activity.
We support the initiative, and would like to urge the tourism authorities and the private sector to include our magnificent tourist attractions in the interior as they set about compiling other packages.
The inclusion of these sites would no doubt leave an indelible impression on the eyes of the beholder.
We also believe that apart from packages that are linked directly to celebrations, others could also be prepared under the name of ‘Health Tourism’  among other things, whereby people with certain illnesses could use some of our destinations  for therapeutic purposes.
Our country is so enriched with this type of remedy. Of course, there are countless other areas of interest which could lure the Diaspora and even others to our shores.
We appreciate the fact that the government recognises the usefulness of our tourism industry and has embarked on ways of attracting tourists to our country.
The Ministry of Tourism and private sector tourism package, as announced recently, is indeed an interesting initiative, and we must shower praises on the architects of this venture. However, as much as it is a bold and remarkable move, the hallmark of an undertaking of this dimension should be sustainability. We do not believe that it would not be any good for our tourism industry if the initiative simmers down to an undertaking that lacks the very important ingredient of sustainability.