A BOOKING Engine, Explore Guyana Website, and Tourism Development Fund were launched on Thursday evening as the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) aims to take Guyana further ahead in the tourism sector.At the launching on Thursday evening at the Cara Lodge, THAG President Shaun McGrath disclosed that these three new important and exciting initiatives will have a positive impact on the development of the tourism sector in Guyana.

He highlighted that “More than 80% of tourism welcomers start their research on the internet; therefore, a well-designed website is a very important tool for any tourism business to attract potential customers.”
The Explore Guyana website will serve as a planning guide for visitors to Guyana, as it will highlight the members and their facilities and provide links to their websites, while also featuring information on Guyana that will be useful in helping persons to consider Guyana for vacation.
“The launch will give visitors a good idea of what Guyana and THAG members have to offer and it will develop after more information has been added, such as videos featuring the Guyana products,” he said.
That apart, the Booking Engine is an initiative of THAG to boost the online presence of our members and to increase their business opportunities by facilitating real-time online reservations and confirmation. In conjunction with the internationally recognised company Regatta Software Solutions, it will allow members to increase their direct- booking volume.
McGrath noted that the Tourism Development Fund which will start of April 1, has been created to allow THAG to make a more impactful contribution to the actions and decisions which affect the private sector tourism industry and its membership. Additionally, it will allow THAG to bring something more tangible to the table; to be in a position of greater independence; to have greater control of its members’ destiny.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Tourism, Irfaan Ali, Head of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), Indranauth Haralsingh disclosed that this is a strategic and timely launching of the Explore Guyana.Org website by THAG.
Noting that, “We must start embracing digital technology because it is no longer an option but a necessity, as information and communications technology (ICT) is indispensible to travel and tourism, as it will definitely help to boost destination awareness, image, feasibility and other aspects of tourism, as online bookings and sales can contribute to tourism product development and marketing of Guyana, South America undiscovered.”
BOOKING ENGINE
The booking engine will help the tourism industry to support reservations through the internet, because this is a much needed and welcome application, as it is one of the fastest – growing sales channels in the world.
“Online travel bookings were almost 1/3 of the worldwide volume up to 2012… this allows initially for hotel bookings at the moment, and will later hopefully expand to airlines, tours, packages…” he said.
Thus far, he noted that over 12 hotels have responded and are on board for the booking engine, while other hotels are urged to take advantage of this opportunity to boost their online sales and occupancy through this real-time booking system which will save time and money.
According to Haralsingh, gone will be the days when one would have had to reply to a reservation or an email request, as the booking engine will be more professional, and will also allow a hotel to have a promotion code if there is a special, as it can also capture a customer and consumer database.
TOURISM DEVELOPMENT FUND
Meanwhile, apart from the Booking Engine another excellent initiative was launched: the Tourism Development Fund, which is expected start from April 1.
“The fund will be financed through a nominal voluntary fee or contribution by hotel guests, as it is an excellent initiative and a great way to garner funds to boost marketing, training beautification, grants, and further ICT adoption and expansion, while it also aims at the preservation of heritage sites.
The continuous changes and different ways of doing business have presented Guyanese with the urgent need to innovate, and it has to become part of the fundamental DNA of the companies and businesses.
In closing, Haralsingh stated that it is a clear demonstration of THAG’s innovativeness and the vision for its members and for tourism in Guyana. “In the age of technology, the tourism industry is adopting a third ‘T’ making it travel tourism and technology, as we will continue to collaborate to lead, facilitate and drive tourism development in Guyana.”