— in first-ever agri-tourism expo

GUYANA’s lucrative and enterprising agriculture sector combined with its attractive and impressive tourism industry could be a recipe for success, something which the government is exploring through the first-ever Agri-Tourism Expo.

The expo, which is set to be held from October 31 to November 2 at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre, will be a catalyst for consistent cooperation between two of Guyana’s major export earners: tourism and agriculture.

Agriculture Minister, Noel Holder, said the launch of the Agri-Tourism Expo and business forum is an offspring of the 2016 cooperative agreement between the two ministries. The aim of the agreement is to enhance the agri-tourism sector.

“Agri-tourism offers farmers the possibility of diversifying and generating additional income through on-farm tourism activities… this will supplement on-farm income and maintain the viability of farms in rural communities,” said Minister Holder during the launch of the expo at Herdmanston Lodge on Friday.

The minister said the nexus between agriculture and tourism is not new since it is something which Guyanese have practiced and continue to practice throughout their lives.
“By simply going to pick fruits, swim in the conservancy or preparing a bush cook, you are participating in agri-tourism,” said Holder.

Although it has been prominent in the traditional Guyanese sense, agri-tourism is still a category which needs to be exploited and branded as a unique product.
The minister believes that agri-tourism should not only be aimed at attaining foreign arrival targets, but should be a money-maker for farmers and the nation.

He said agri-tourism is a sustainable tourism product that promises a win-win outcome. There have already been recorded successes in the annual festival and even the coconut festival.

The Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) has also placed some attention on tourism. The corporation recently launched its cultural and heritage tourism product which allows persons to get a first-hand experience of the operations of sugar estates. There are also plans for a sugar museum and heritage park.

Minister of Business, Haimraj Rajkumar also spoke about some of the advancements in agri-tourism, noting that the upcoming expo can be used as a tool to sensitise people and further show the potential of the sectors.

“We have long recognised that agri-tourism could be a thriving sub-sector because agriculture contributes 30 per cent of the GDP (Gross Domestic Product) and tourism has been making a significant contribution to the economy,” said Rajkumar.

In that regard, he expects the expo to spur the greatness in agri-tourism and even show that the sub-sector is aligned with government’s Green State Development Strategy.
Public Telecommunications Minister, Catherine Hughes has high expectations for the expo. Hughes, who was a signatory to the 2016 cooperation agreement as then Minister of Tourism, said the combination of tourism and agriculture was long overdue.

“Tourism cuts across all economic sectors… Guyana is different from other tourism destinations and with a rich agricultural history, there are opportunities that exist for expanding agri-tourism and delivering a high quality to travellers,” said Minister Hughes.
Tourists and even locals will have an opportunity to see the wonders of the combined agri-tourism sector during the expo.

There will be a grand display of Guyana’s tourism and agricultural products. Among the things which will be featured are farmers’ markets, fashion displays, farm tours and a lot more.