THE Tourism Ministry and the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) have declared that 2014 was “a very successful year for the aviation and accommodation sectors,” and it is projected that there will be a 15% increase in visitor arrivals for 2015.“We recognise that the expansion of Guyana’s economy lies in tourism and with the increasing investments and expressions of interest for the coming year, there will be a great turn around in our tourism drive,” Tourism Minister Irfaan Ali said.

Meanwhile, GTA Director Indranauth Haralsingh noted that, “with this worldwide recognition, the improvement in infrastructure that supports growth of the industry and the increasing investments in the sector, it is anticipated that our visitor arrivals in 2015 will increase by as much as 15%.”
It is also imperative for every citizen to embrace the necessary infrastructure that seeks to further propel the sector forward, including the Cheddi Jagan International Airport Expansion Project and the Marriott Hotel.
“Air service is critically linked to the survival of the tourism industry, and there is an immediate need for an adequate airport as we prepare to welcome several major carriers in the new year,” the Tourism Minister declared.
NEW AIRLINES IN 2014
The aviation sector in 2014 saw many additions with new airlines coming on board the Guyana market and have since been thriving.
Moreover, the Guyana Oil Company Limited (GUYOIL) commissioned an Aviation Services Fuel Handling facility at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA). The US$3.5 million project is Phase One of an overall venture which comprises the construction of the terminal at Providence, East Bank Demerara.
COPA Airlines, Panamanian flag carrier, began flying to Guyana on July 11th and is now offering flights to their 69 destinations, with a twice weekly service to Guyana. The airline serves 69 destinations in some 30 countries with over 300 scheduled daily flights in the North, South and Central America and the Caribbean and is recognised for its leadership in international connectivity, punctuality, quality of service and for having one of the most modern fleets in the industry.
US-registered airline, Dynamic Airways began flying from New York to Guyana in June of 2014, but due to technicalities was forced to suspend their service for a few months. The airline in November recommenced their operation but after a few hiccups and two significant flight cancelations, the airline has resumed normalcy.
Also under the watchful eye of Roraima Group of Companies, Curacao-registered Insel Air began operations from Aruba, Curacao and Miami to Guyana in June this year. The airline which has a seating capacity of 157 persons, flies to Curacao and Aruba twice weekly. Insel Air also added flights in December 2014, originating from Curacao to Guyana instead of only Aruba to Guyana. And Venezuelan State-owned carrier, Conviasa Airlines which began flying to Guyana in the last quarter of 2013 upgraded its service to Guyana by flying twice weekly
DOMESTIC SECTOR
Aviation within the domestic sector also saw some additions as well as improvements in 2014 with Air Services Limited adding an aircraft to their already large fleet. Jags Aviation, a subsidiary group under BK International, was launched in August with a Cessna Grand Caravan. This aircraft has a passenger seating capacity of 13 persons and will be used as another local transportation vehicle for remote hinterland and outlying tourism attractions. In December 2014, a M28 Sky Truck aircraft was the latest addition to Jags aviation fleet.

Golden Arrow Airways, a tour operation conducting tours to Kaieteur Falls/Orinduik, was officially launched in May. The business which is owned by Giovanni Charles and Nirvana Mahase has one Britten Norman Trilander.
HOSPITALITY SECTOR
The accommodation sector has also seen continued additions and improvements with training being offered for staff of the hospitality sector. The training in different areas was done during Tourism Month of Awareness.
In the meantime, the majority of works on the five star Marriott Hotel was completed in 2014. This hotel will boast, when completed, 197 rooms, a casino and entertainment complex. It is scheduled to be opened sometime in 2015.
The India-based Sun and Sand Group of Companies held a sod-turning ceremony in July for the Sun and Sand Hotel which will be located at Liliendaal. This other five star hotel will include a casino, along with a commercial block and club house. It will contain 163 rooms and provide jobs for several hundred Guyanese.
Park Vue Hotel which is located in Providence on the East Bank of Demerara was officially opened in January. The 52-room property which has a boutique, restaurant, lounge, bar and pool area is owned by Sharon and Robin Persaud, overseas-based Guyanese.
RAMADA RE-BRAND
And the US-based hotel group, Ramada will be spending US$7 million to rebrand the Princess Hotel and Casino at Providence to Ramada Georgetown Princess. This announcement was made at a press conference held in April.
The Rupununi Eco Hotel, located in Lethem, was officially opened in April by President Donald Ramotar. Owned by Rupununi Chamber of Commerce President, Daniel Gajie, the 20-rooms facility is equipped with all the modern amenities of a high end but affordable accommodation establishment. This Eco Hotel will greatly assist when there is the annual Lethem Rodeo and Rupununi Expo, among other activities held within this area.

(By Rebecca Ganesh-Ally)