Guyana’s growing tourism product

WHILE the majority of Guyanese – including the various news-media – are understandably intensely focused on oil production, citizens should bear in mind that Guyana is blessed with many other resources, such as a rich eco-tourism product. It must be recognised that development, expansion, and prudent management of our country’s tourism sector would produce and maintain sustainable jobs. This fact applies throughout all of our regions, and, therefore, has the potential to elevate the standard of life in numerous communities, including those that may be underdeveloped or impoverished.

Guyana’s eco-tourism potential has always been well known locally, and is now being officially internationally recognised. Guyanese may boast that not only has leading global travel and lifestyle magazine, Condé Nast, listed Guyana as one of the 20 most exciting places to visit in 2020, but also, last year, Guyana was named the #1 “Best of Eco-tourism” destinations in the world by at the ITB global travel trade fair in Berlin, Germany. Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) Brian T. Mullis, accepted the award on behalf of Guyana. Citizens will agree that such an honour is extremely significant, since our country has surpassed such popular destinations as Sierra Gorda in Mexico, Tmatboey in Cambodia, and the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador.

Mullis said that, “Guyana has expended considerable effort in recent years not only to develop new and innovative eco-friendly tourism products as a part of the national Green State Development Strategy, but also to incorporate sustainable tourism best practices into all aspects of its strategy, planning and programming, while educating the world about its deep commitment to maximising the positive socio-economic and conservation outcomes from tourism.” Evidently, Guyana’s effort has paid off in a significant way.

The Department of Tourism is administered by the Ministry of Business which was established by the David Granger administration. That approach by the David Granger administration, in itself, underscores the importance of business ascribed to the administration. That fact is absolutely justified since tourism is big business worldwide; it accounts for 30 per cent of global trade revenues in services. Such services include transportation, accommodation, hospitality, and entertainment. Tourism is responsible, too, for six per cent of global trade in products, including food and souvenirs. Clearly, the sector is a significant part of global economic activity, and it would be to Guyana’s great advantage to become optimally involved.

Guyana is blessed with diverse and, in many cases, unique eco-tourism opportunities. Visiting Guyana’s pristine forests is an experience no one can forget. The forested mountains and valleys with their majestic waterfalls and rapids, beautiful streams and creeks, and towering trees of a mind-boggling variety are home to some of the world’s most interesting wildlife. Guyana is home to no less than 21 of the largest animals of particular species. Our country has the largest fresh-water fish, the mighty arapaima; the largest rodent, the capybara; the largest anteater; caiman; bat; eagle; jaguar; armadillo; toad and manatee, among other fauna. It’s a nature enthusiast’s haven. We need not even mention our famous Kaieteur Falls.

The international accolades being received by Guyana under the leadership of President David Granger’s leadership is ample evidence that the APNU+AFC administration is doing its job, and doing it well. As our country continues to develop exponentially under the Granger administration, Guyanese may rest assured that many jobs will continue to become available in all sectors, including in tourism.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :
Facebook
Twitter
WhatsApp

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

All our printed editions are available online
emblem3
Subscribe to the Guyana Chronicle.
Sign up to receive news and updates.
We respect your privacy.