THE Tourism Ministry and the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) have thus far accredited a number of entities under the Tourism Regulations, and have since launched a campaign to have businesses registered and licensed.The latest entity to adhere to the said regulation is the Old Fort Tours and Island Resort. Camille Boodhoo, representing the entity, noted that they are renowned and reputable in Parika, on the East Bank of Essequibo, and presently offer travel and tour operation services.

GTA Director, Indranauth Haralsingh, urged the company to continue to maintain the good work, and to strive for excellence in its operations. He urged unregistered tourism businesses to register and become licensed with the GTA, and emphasised the countless benefits that can be derived from so doing.

Old Fort Tours and Island Resort is the fourth tour operator to attain this licensed status. The others are Wilderness Explorers, Roraima Tours, and Bushmasters.

The Tourism Regulations serve as a framework by which operators should abide. It has the objective of improving competitiveness, thus strengthening Guyana’s Tourism Product.

Bushmasters Tours was the third tour operator to receive certification; Roraima Tours and Wilderness Explorers had previously achieved this important milestone, while Rock View Lodge and Eco Tourism Resort was presented with its license under the Interior Lodges and Resort category, and the Princess Hotel and City Inn were granted licenses under the Tourism Accommodation category.

Mr. Haralsingh explained that all tourism businesses should follow the example set by the entities which have been licensed to date, and to commit to the process. He reiterated that, in an effort to prepare local businesses to become more competitive, the Tourism Ministry and the GTA are striving to ensure that these establishments meet the necessary requirements expected by any tourist or visitor, whether foreign or local, to any one of those facilities.

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.”

Haralsingh was adamant that, with 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.

He adumbrated some of the benefits to be derived from achieving 100% compliance, and noted that the GTA would be highlighting compliant businesses in a listing on its website. “This will determine who gets support in terms of both local and international exposure,” he explained.
“The GTA Act and these regulations say that you need a license 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 a period set aside for conformity, GTA will then embark on a series of activities to have persons yet again conform with the guidelines. If by then persons do not comply with the regulations, they will then face the consequences.

“Would you like to go to an entity that does not conform to the regulations, and have complaints; and then, when reported to GTA, we cannot sanction anything?” he asked as he explained that, in this regard, “We cannot do anything because the entity does not comply with standards set out by us.”

The GTA, Haralsingh said, will continue to monitor and evaluate hospitality institutions across the country in its effort to ensure that the Tourism Industry in Guyana continues to grow and expand. (Rebecca Ganesh)