WICHABAI Ranch, Leon Moore Nature Experiences and Toma 1 have been given the greenlight for reopening as per the guidelines tied to the National COVID-19 measures and the Guyana Tourism Authority’s (GTA) recommended Hygiene and Sanitation protocols.
With the exception of the use of the swimming pool and in accordance with section 6 (6) of the gazetted National COVID-19 Emergency Measures, all health and safety protocols (wearing of masks, physical distancing, sanitisation, etc) and guidelines, the conditional approval for tourism businesses permits hosting of guests for day tours and overnight stays; tour activities such as nature walks, bird watching, etc; and recreational activities on the beach and in rivers and creeks such as kayaking, jet skiing, swimming.

According to a release, businesses that have received their conditional approvals must be reminded of the above as well as the importance of maintaining the guidelines as outlined by the GTA and the National COVID-19 measures.
Any business found in breach of these guidelines will face revocation of its approval, the GTA said. Director, Carla James, encouraged businesses to reach out to the GTA to schedule their inspections. “We owe it to our communities to ensure that tourism successfully yet safely recovers, but we can only do so if we work together. We at the GTA are always available to provide the necessary support to guide you through your reopening process, so don’t hesitate to call us or come into our office,” she said. “Travellers interested in booking a tour or trip, are reminded to use only GTA-approved tourism businesses to avoid placing themselves and their companions at risk while trying to enjoy all that this beautiful country has to offer. A detailed list of approved tourism businesses (tourism accommodation establishments, interior lodges and resorts and tour companies) can be found on the GTA’s Facebook Page under the album titled ‘Safe for Travel’.

The two-step process for tourism businesses to reopen as directed by the GTA and the National COVID-19 Task Force (NCTF) remains the same: submission of business’ written Standard Operating Procedures (SoPs) to the GTA for a desk review and on-site inspection of businesses to verify the implementation of the SoPs and approval by the GTA,” the release said. It noted that more information and guidance on the two-step conditional approval process for reopening of tourism businesses can be provided by Micheala Lindore, Tourism Business Support Officer within the GTA at micheala@guyanatourism.com or Carla James, Director of the GTA at carla@guyanatourism.com. GTA is a semi-autonomous governmental organisation responsible for developing and promoting sustainable tourism in Guyana through collaboration with sister agencies and the tourism private sector in order to maximise local socio-economic and conservation outcomes and improve the travellers’ experience. The GTA is focused on Guyana becoming recognised locally and internationally as a premier destination for protecting its natural and cultural heritage, providing authentic experiences, and maximising local socio-economic benefits.