– Minister Ali
THE Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce will be lobbying for an increased allocation in the 2012 National Budget, in an effort to further enhance the growth of the Tourism Sector, said the minister responsible for the portfolio for the time being, Mr. Irfaan Ali. He gave the undertaking last week, during a media briefing, in the boardroom of the Housing Ministry in Brickdam, where he was joined by members of a visiting delegation from the Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO).
The latter were in Guyana to gauge this country’s readiness for hosting the 13th Annual CTO Sustainable Tourism Conference (STC-13), from April 15 to18.
According to Ali, President Donald Ramotar has emphasised the importance of the tourism industry, even as efforts are underway to diversify the country’s economic activities.
“He (President Ramotar) has made it very clear that tourism is a priority on his agenda and we’re going to be working aggressively in this sector to ensure that the good work that has already been implemented and the foundation that was laid by Minister Manniram Prashad and his predecessors would continue to be advanced and strengthened, so that our tourism sector will be a centre for growth and attraction in the future,” Ali stated.
He said, in this regard, he underscored the importance of creating new markets, which is also high on the agenda and noted that the upcoming April conference will play a critical role in exposing new products that Guyana can offer the Caribbean and the rest of the world.
Alluding to aspects of the Tourism Ministry’s plans for the growth of the industry, Minister Ali disclosed that the ministry is also developing special culture packages to attract those in the diaspora, which is just one of the many new initiatives being implemented.
He said those efforts are testimony to Government’s commitment to develop the sector and showcase Guyanese culture and products.