ON MONDAY, November 3, during a cocktail reception in London, a Guyana delegation unveiled at the World Travel Market (WTM) conference “Guyana, South America Undiscovered,” the country’s new tourism brand. 

Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) Indranauth Haralsingh, who is currently in London attending the WTM conference said the first day was a tremendous success: “Day one was an excellent day for Guyana. Everyone likes the brand and logo. The launch was a tremendous success if you take into account the massive reach that this event has.”
The WTM is one of the leading travel and trade shows attracting influential figures in and around the travel industry, who offer the latest insights, trends and invaluable knowledge to all who visit.
The GTA Director explained that Guyana’s continued participation in the event will have both direct and indirect benefits, since attending the WTM will give the country the advantage to market its destination to visitors as well as fellow participants worldwide. “WTM is the perfect opportunity for us to continue our outreach to international tourists, not only will we reach the UK (United Kingdom) market but also buyers from countries all over the world,” he said.
Haralsingh stressed that the GTA recognises the WTM trade show as a very important aspect of its marketing strategy and has continued to attend it over the last 13 years. This has resulted in placing Guyana’s tourism product on the world map in the eyes of consumers and international travel operators.
While there, the team will attend key meetings with several tour operators, travel agents, media and publications, he also explained. Wilderness Explorers, Rupununi Trails and Iwokrama are all participating in the WTM.
Guyana’s booth will host a number of events and meetings including the launching of the “Guyana South America Undiscovered” destination brand, hosting of the ATLAS travel group, and launching of the “Explore Guyana” Magazine 2015.
Recently, Tourism Minister (ag) Irfaan Ali noted that Guyana offers the opportunity to travel to an “off–the-beaten-path,” conservation-minded destination, to see exceptional nature, experience wildlife and birds in a remote and pristine environment with thriving indigenous and multi-ethnic communities.
“It offers visitors many benefits: exploring an English-speaking South American destination; discovering our natural attractions travelling by land, river and air across a never-ending stretch of rainforest to see birds, wildlife and giant species; interacting with Amerindian people and enjoying multi-ethnic festivals, music and cuisine and learning about the country’s rich heritage. It is an opportunity to experience vast virgin rainforest, rolling savannahs, mighty rivers and the lively Caribbean coast, all in one trip,” he revealed.
He explained that through a new logo and tagline (which was developed after extensive consultation with tourism stakeholders and operators; and businesses which will be used in promotional and marketing materials, both locally and internationally), it showcases that we are part of a “South American Region with a Caribbean flair.”
Minister Ali continued, “The opportunity to confirm Guyana’s commitment to the development of tourism in Guyana must be fully exploited.”
The Guyana delegation is headed by Haralsingh and includes Sanchia Persaud, Senior Tourism Development Officer; and Tosheika Logan, Research and Planning Analyst. The WTM is being held from 3rd-6th November,2014.

(Rebecca Ganesh-Ally)