THE Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) mourns the passing of Ian Craddock, Tour Operator of Bushmaster Limited.
Craddock died on Monday, after suffering a heart attack at Culvert City, near the town of Lethem in the Rupununi.

According to THAG, “Ian was a friend and responsible colleague to many, a contributing member of the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana, a vocal advocate for the sector development, a prolific and willing contributor to the EXPLORE GUYANA Magazine. He will be truly missed.”

The body said that his avid promotion of the Rupununi and the communities in tourism has led to visits by the like of Channing Tatum who graced the cover of Explore Guyana 2014. “Regularly, he contributed through his incredible adventures and images to EXPLORE GUYANA Magazine, including the covers and focal pieces of 2012, 2014, 2018 editions of the publication,” the body said.

It also shared some of his past experiences. When asked how he was able to rappel down the side of Kaieteur Falls, Ian laughed and answered “easy” but explained with grave detail the need for safety and attention to detail in such an exercise. Ian pioneered the survival and hard tourism experiences across the Rupununi and Guyana and spearheaded various film teams.

According to THAG, sharing those adventures through his and his teams’ breath-taking photography and videography was a strategy emploved in the destination marketing initiatives.

“Always generous, he answered the call whenever needed and gave of his time and expertise in areas of advocacy, product development and marketing. He was as impatient where he thought progress could be achieved at a greater pace as he was driven to realise the changes required. In the most recent months, his energies were focused on preparing the communities and private enterprises for the period of re-opening and supporting them as needed in that time,” the entity noted.

The tourism body noted that Cradock’s immense contribution to the Guyana tourism industry as a whole will forever be remembered. His legacy and memories will live on. “The Association extends its deepest condolences to his family, friends, colleagues and all of the Rupununi on the passing of Ian. We are forever grateful for his time spent with us, his contributions and for his love of this country,” the body noted.