THE tourism sector has “picked up significantly,” and this indicates that the country is now being marketed internationally through effective mechanisms, President Donald Ramotar has noted. 

The President was speaking at a press conference last Friday at the Office of the President where he was updating the media on current affairs in the country.
President Ramotar said: “Our tourism sector has picked up significantly,” adding that there has been more flight arrivals in the country over time. “We have more [flight] arrivals in our country and we’re having flights from Venezuela every week and they’re coming fairly full,” he said.
Aiding also in the marketing of the country is COPA Airlines who, according to the President, is giving Guyanese more access and more direct routes to Europe, South America and North America. This, he said, has been boosting tourism locally through the mobilizing of tourists.

However, key internal developments are also contributing significantly. The Head of State elaborated on the fact that more hotels are currently being erected, such as the world renowned Marriott Hotel, while more resorts and riverside attractions are being developed.
“What is interesting to note too is that we have a new aviation company and all of that is being stimulated with the growth in the tourism sector,” Mr. Ramotar noted.
Only recently local tourism got a further boost through the Guyana Festival which was held last month. The successful execution of the initiative which was launched by the Ministry of Tourism was one which was commended by Cabinet as they reiterated the need for the marketing and selling of Guyana’s tourism product, not only regionally but internationally as well.

(Ravin Singh)