THE Amazon-Caribbean Tourism Trail (ACTT) Circuit Manual, which links Guyana with neighbouring Brazil and Suriname, offers Guyana the opportunity to proactively and aggressively enter new markets while expanding its own. Minister of Tourism (ag) Irfaan Ali made this observation yesterday, during the presentation of the manual at the Guyana International Conference Centre (GICC), Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara.
The event was organized by the Tourism Ministry and the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), in collaboration with the Permanent Secretariat of the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organisation (ACTO).
At the ceremony, ACTO’s Infrastructure, Transport, Communication and Tourism Coordinator, Donald Sinclair, presented the manual to Minister Ali, who acknowledged that the guidebook is coming at a critical time in the history of the three countries, particularly  with the completion of the Takutu River bridge linking Guyana and Brazil, exploration talks that began with former President Bharrat Jagdeo and Suriname’s President Desi Bouterse, and talks of linking these two countries with a bridge across the Corentyne River.
He pointed out that these links are important developments for the tourism sector, and also for private capital, adding that such initiatives by the government would create the motivational factor that would attract to the tourism sector.
“Today’s world is very competitive; such initiatives to create linkages, partnerships, share information and marketing capabilities are important in advancing a product that is sustainable. Guyana must build on these opportunities and entrepreneurs need to direct resources into the tourism sector, which is a safe and sustainable investment,” Ali advised.
Despite the advantages of the manual, Ali noted that it tells a story of how far we are behind in having an integrated tourism package that Guyana has been pushing for the Caribbean.
He observed that Guyana is now strategically positioned to lobby at the upcoming 13th Annual Sustainable Tourism Conference (STC-13) for CARICOM to move the integration process forward, and to have an integrated tourism package initiated.
Meanwhile, Sinclair said the document is a tool that can be used by private and public sectors, as well as communities, to help improve the tourism sector, and it can be viewed as a  marketing opportunity “to be seized and nourished”.
He encouraged players in the industry to strategize and take advantage of the manual.
A presentation on the background to the circuit manual was done by ACTO Tourism Consultant, Ms. Karola Tippman, and a copy of the document was also handed over to Executive Director of the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG), Ms. Treina Butts.
The official ceremony was followed by a workshop which addressed proper use of the manual and how best tour operators and other private sector stakeholders can make full use of the information it presents.
It is one of three manuals produced (Amazon-Caribbean Tourism Trail, the Amazon Water Tourism Route, and the Amazon Andes Pacific Route) and the focus is on creating better links with each ACTO member country so that they can all benefit from tourism.

Local Efforts
Minister Ali announced last month that his Ministry will be collaborating with the private sector and tourism stakeholders to offer ‘tourism packages’ to the diaspora, in an effort enhance the sector.
The first five-day package for Phagwah was launched shortly after for Phagwah in March, and this is being done in collaboration with the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha, various hotels and airlines.
In addition, Ali said there are plans to offer packaged deals for other major events, including Easter, Diwali and Christmas, which will all be aimed at advancing and promoting the country’s tourism product.