AS Guyana continues to push for tourism recovery, all efforts are being made to promote domestic tourism on all fronts. In addition to promoting a number of local destinations and sites, the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce is also partnering with stakeholders to develop a ‘Traveler’s’ Profile,’ so as to be able to craft better and more customised tourism packages for various target groups. During a virtual forum hosted by the Ministry’s Director General, Donald Sinclair, stakeholders were afforded the opportunity to provide much-needed feedback and give critical insights on travel data. Camille Ishmael of the University of Guyana conducted a survey which indicated persons between the ages of 18 and 25 choose to travel in groups, highlighting no specific destinations. The survey revealed that group travels are chosen particularly as a means of reducing cost and maintaining high levels of fun. According to Ishmael’s data, persons within the aforementioned age group find that travelling alone is a little boring.

The survey specified that persons between the ages of 26 and 30 prefer travelling for family vacations, with Baganara and Arrowpoint resorts being specifically named. The surveyed persons within that age group who said that their preference for those locations has to do primarily with the fact that the venues are not only popular, but fall within a familiar route that is deemed to be safer and less stressful. Ishmael’s survey also showed that 85 per cent of those who travel do so for work, while five per cent travel for leisure, citing particular activities such as fishing and hunting, etc. Another 10 per cent of those surveyed travel mostly for business. Another survey conducted by the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG), also took into consideration, the budgetary needs and constraints that prevent or to some extent, limit domestic travels.

The forum discussed these and several other areas that are important to consider when crafting specifically-targeted travel packages. For decades, the aim of the tourism industry had been to attract foreigners and entice them to come to Guyana and discover all that the country has to offer, even though a large percentage of Guyanese themselves are oblivious to the gems contained in various regions of the country. When the coronavirus hit Guyana in March 2020, the tourism sector was crippled; the locally instituted lockdowns and curfews highlighted the fragility of the industry, and its glaring oversight of the domestic market. Even though the pandemic has brought much heartache and worries, there are perhaps a few silver linings; most notably is the fact that many persons and sectors were forced to look within, before looking out.

KITCHEN GARDEN

For instance, the pandemic inspired the creation of kitchen gardens and buying more locally produced items, as opposed to relying on imported products, the arrival of which were threatened by global lockdown regulations. Similarly, the advent of COVID-19 exposed the importance of domestic tourism, and the need for authorities to invest even more heavily in this area.
Consequently, the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce has begun to partner with relevant stakeholders to inspire and entice more Guyanese to vacation within Guyana.
Back in January, the ministry launched its third ‘Hotspot Magazine’, which focused on highlighting the hidden gems contained in the various regions.
President of Visit Rupununi, Melanie McTurk, had encouraged Guyanese to travel within the country, advising many to keep an eye out for various packages.
“…from free public events, to once-in-a-lifetime-experiences; there are sites and activities to meet a range of preferences, as well as packages to meet every budget… tourism dollars directly create jobs and support village economies, right here at home in Guyana,” McTurk said.

Given that many Guyanese often cite financial constraints as reasons for their lack of travel, McTurk believes that the key to travel, even at home, lies in effective planning.
“It is important to do your research. Be realistic about what you can afford on your budget and in some instances, be prepared to save towards that special experience,” she advised.
Similar sentiments were at that time shared by Mitra Ramkumar, President of the THAG.
“None of us can doubt the beauty of our regions. What this publication has done, is highlight those beauties,” Ramkumar said. He had posited that improved domestic tourism serves as good promotion for tourism businesses to generate income, thereby encouraging them to continue their investments within the various regions.
“… and for them to stay in those communities and keep the history and the cultures alive,” Ramkumar added.
The Guyana Civil Aviation Authority had recently said too that prior to the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, domestic travels were on a notable increase, with more and more Guyanese opting to explore more of their own country.