“WE ARE working to further develop tourism in Guyana,” said the Guyanese Leader, President Donald Ramotar, in his remarks on Friday at the President Awards Dinner of the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG), held at Duke Lodge in Kingston Georgetown.

The annual dinner, organised and executed by THAG members, is held in recognition of that private organisation’s diligent work to develop the tourism sector.

President Ramotar reiterated his appeal for the need to have cheap electricity, and for support for construction of the Marriot Hotel and extension of the runway at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport.

He further commended THAG, as well as the other private entities that attended the dinner, on a great job done, and reaffirmed the Government’s dedication and support for the tourism sector.

Minister of Tourism (ag), Mr Irfaan Ali, said: “I applaud the persons that worked tirelessly for this dynamic and necessary industry that contributes significantly to national wealth, the creation of employment, and to the changes that occur in our country every day”. He also related his budget 2014 speech, and enlightened the gathering on how tourism will benefit from the allocations made to this diverse sector.

Mr Christopher ‘Kit’ Nascimento, President of THAG, remarked to President Ramotar: “Mr. President, you have appointed, and this is not intended as flattery, an energetic and dedicated Minister of Tourism to act. One of his fellow ministers has described him as ‘the energy bunny.’ She’s right, but he must be given the legislative and financial support to move the industry forward. He cannot market Guyana to compete internationally on the budget given to Tourism. He must also be confirmed as Minister of Tourism”.

Nascimento also recommended that the tourism and aviation sectors be combined, since they completely complement each other, especially in Guyana.

Another recommendation made in support of the Aircraft Owners Association is that hinterland airstrips be expanded to accommodate larger, 20 or 30-seat aircrafts, to increase airlift and bring down cost.

On the other hand, Nascimento said: “Our Government has seen the wisdom of investing in a globally recognised brand name hotel in the Marriott, which we look forward to coming on stream this year; and an international class airport, essential if we are to attract, and we must, brand name international airlines to Guyana.”

Several awards were handed out to companies for their extraordinary commitment to tourism and for works done within the tourism sector. The President’s Award was presented to six companies, namely the Rupununi Music & Arts Festival, in recognition of a gutsy entrepreneurial endeavour; Trans-Guyana Airways, for outstanding contribution to a member company of the sector; Guyana Telephone & Telegraph Company(GT&T), for endorsing the tourism and hospitality sector of Guyana; Wilderness Explorers, for continued excellence in service; Adel’s Rainforest, for Resort of the Year; and Roraima’s Wedding Expo, for innovative contribution to the tourism and hospitality industry.

THAG is an umbrella body of all tourism-related entities in Guyana. Members include hoteliers, resort owners, tour operators, travel agents, restaurateurs, jewellers, craft shop owners, and transportation service providers, among other businesses. This association was formed twenty years ago by a small group of five persons. THAG is also a member of the Caribbean Hotel Association.
By Rebecca Ganesh-Ally