– new GTA director

NEW Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) Director Brian Mullis said Guyana has to move away from an ad hoc approach to a more progressive and holistic approach to tourism destination development.

Mullis made this observation at a recent welcoming reception hosted for him by the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana at Cara Lodge.
He said emphasis must be placed on enhancing effective lines of communication within the GTA and other supporting tourism bodies, to elevate Guyana’s place in the global marketplace.

Mullis, who began his tenure as director on April 16 of this year, was shortlisted from a group of over 30 regional and international applicants.
His appointment was announced by Minister of State Joseph Harmon during a post-Cabinet press briefing in January.

With plans to boost the development of a sustainable tourism destination, the appointment of the new GTA director was essential.

Mullis replaces former Director Indranauth Haralsingh, whose tenure ended late last year.
A US citizen, Mullis brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the post. He is the founder and chief executive officer of the Non-profit organisation Sustainable Travel International, through which he has led several high-impact projects worldwide.
Mullis has also worked with the Dalai Lama on a project in Dharamshala, India, to reduce the negative impact of tourism. He also served two terms on the US Travel and Tourism Advisory Board under the Obama administration.