TOURISM Awareness Month 2014 was launched Friday under the theme, ‘Tourism Entrepreneurs and Ambassadors Mobilised’. The aim is to raise awareness of the country’s tourism potential as the Government continues to promote tourism as a sector that has potential for significant economic growth.

Speaking at the ceremony held at the Amerindian Village located in the Sophia Exhibition Complex, Tourism Minister (ag) Irfaan Ali emphasised the need for Guyanese to be reminded of the importance of the sector in Guyana’s future. “The growth of this sector cannot be achieved alone; we need partners in order to move forward,” he said.

This year’s theme was selected to highlight tourism entrepreneurs and ambassadors, who are regarded as the key vehicles for the creation of new enterprises, employment and the stimulation of competition in the sector. Those entrepreneurs and ambassadors also educate and inspire their families, friends and colleagues to embrace tourism, subject Minister (ag) Irfaan Ali explained.

He reiterated that with the proper infrastructure and awareness, “we can create a destination hub for the South American region, as the logo would represent.”

Minister Ali explained that the industry is in its developmental stage, a stage at which protocols and guidelines are being established. Addressing the Private Sector in particular, he urged that they become members of the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG), since that body would open opportunities for their companies wherein they can collaborate and enjoy enormous amounts of benefit.

“In the near future,” he said, “THAG will have a booking engine up and running, and as a member, the management of real time bookings can assist in the growth of your business.”

Ali was also poised to launch one of the biggest events for Tourism in 2015; it is anticipated that more than 100,000 Guyanese would return to Guyana as ‘Guyana Homecoming 2015’ begins. He elaborated that “if we can get a mere 10% of our Guyanese living abroad to come home for 2015, it will amount to more than 100,000 persons”.

Ali noted that the Tourism Ministry has been working with THAG and various airlines to design a marketing strategy for the homecoming campaign.

He explained that recently many discussions were engaged in with different stakeholders, and one of the major activities that they are currently looking to have become a reality is sport fishing and its potential to create an influx of tourists.

He also stated that the Tourism Ministry, after discussions, has implemented incentives to aid in reducing the cost for local travellers to explore the beauty of Guyana.

He emphasised that all Guyanese need be reminded and become aware of the importance of this sector, and the part it plays in contributing significantly to the economy.

Ali said Guyanese have rebranded themselves. “You know (that) in this market you have to learn, unlearn and re-strategise.” The new logo depicts that Guyana will be offering you the best of ‘two worlds’ in one destination.

“We are offering you an authentic South American experience with a Caribbean flare,” Minister Ali said.

Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), Indranauth Haralsingh, as he chaired the ceremony, alluded that Tourism Month is a time when the achievements of the sector are celebrated and the challenges are reflected upon. He explained that this sector is one of the most important multi-functional sectors, since it creates employment, attracts investments, and contributes to economic growth and gross domestic product. It is also deemed as an export industry and, strangely, nothing except memories and pictures are exported.

THAG President Shaun McGrath said: “As a hotelier in Guyana for the past 25 years, I have heard people say tourism is not going to happen in Guyana. They say they have to clean up the place first, but the truth is (that) tourism is well and alive in Guyana.”

McGrath alluded to the fact that hotels in the interior are filled, some until 2016. Guyanese, he stressed, need to be made aware of the tourism potential of their homeland. “Caribbean countries such as Barbados, Jamaica, St Lucia and others have implemented programmes in schools to start with tourism awareness in the minds of children”, he said.
This is an initiative which Guyana has now taken up.

The new THAG president explained that the organisation has a lot scheduled for Tourism Month, such as a school essay competition at which the winner would be awarded with the essay piece being featured in the Guyana 2014 Magazine; the launch of Restaurant Week from November 10 to 16; World Travel Market from November 3 to 6 in London, which would include launch of the Explore Guyana magazine; and School talks and Customer Service and Servers’ training among other activities.

Ramesh Persaud, Chairman of the Private Sector Commission (PSC), said: “Guyana is a place of many unexplored business opportunities, especially in the tourism sector.” Persaud said Guyana is gaining greater recognition internationally from the numerous developments taking place. He congratulated all the parties involved in having the schedule of activities planned for Tourism Month.

Speaking briefly at the ceremony, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds echoed the Tourism Minister’s words as he also called on persons to make themselves aware of this budding industry. He moreover joined with many in congratulating all involved, and supported all initiatives for the month of activities.

Performances by our local drummers and dancers also added to the pizazz of the ceremony.

(By Rebecca Ganesh-Ally)