THE Ministry of Tourism and the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) have thus far accredited a number of entities under the Tourism Regulations and has since launched a campaign to have businesses registered and licensed. Bushmasters Tours was the third Tour Operator to receive certification; Roraima Tours and Wilderness Explorers have already achieved this important milestone, while Rock View Lodge Eco Tourism Resort was presented with its licence under the Interior Lodges and Resort category. Princess Hotel and City Inn were granted licences under the Tourism Accommodation category. Director of the GTA, Indranauth Haralsingh, reiterated that all tourism businesses should follow the example set by the entities which have been licensed to date, and commit to the process. He again emphasised that in an effort to prepare local businesses to become more competitive, the Tourism Ministry and GTA are striving to ensure that these establishments meet the necessary requirements expected by any tourist or visitor visiting any one of these facilities, whether overseas visitors or locals.
He said: “This is in no way a difficult process, but it is a process that requires commitment. We want to take this opportunity to congratulate you on this achievement and for following through with the process. This is a significant achievement and should set the precedent for other businesses.”
The director acknowledged that with the growth in the tourism sector, conformity to set standards and regulations should be the focus of tourism establishments, even as they employ the best marketing and promotional strategies.
Haralsingh explained some of the benefits to be derived from achieving 100% compliance, noting that the GTA will be separating these businesses and will provide a listing on their website: “This will determine who gets support in terms of both local and international exposure.
“The GTA’s Act and these regulations say that you need a licence to operate any one of these businesses; we will not want our visitors to have a tourism experience with an unregistered and unlicensed business,” he emphasised. After the “lapse” period of conformity, GTA will then embark on a series of activities to have persons yet again confirmed; if by that time persons still do not comply with the regulations, they will then face the consequences.
The GTA will continue to monitor and evaluate hospitality institutions across the country in their effort to ensure that the tourism industry in Guyana continues to grow and expand.