REGION Two’s Regional Executive Officer (REO), Daveanand Ramdatt, on Monday, called on the Ministry of Tourism, through the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), to implement a better ticketing system for the Good Hope/Supenaam ferry service.

Ramdatt, during a meeting with GTA officials held in the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) boardroom, insisted that this will help to shorten commuters ‘waiting time’ to board the ferry with their vehicles.

The tourism officials are on a two-day visit to the region and are planning to meet with the Regional Tourism Committee, several small business owners and members of the Essequibo Chamber of Commerce.

During his discourse with the officials, the REO said many persons who utilise the service have reached out to him concerning the length of time they would usually have to wait to board the ferry.

He suggested that a better ticketing system should be implemented to bring relief to those who are affected. Usually, motorist would arrive at the stelling as much as three hours before the ferry arrives, to buy their boarding ticket. The early arrival is an attempt to ensure they are able to board the ferry. If they are unable to do so, they would have to wait on the next trip.

The GRA officials, in response, recommended the implementation of an online system to purchase tickets but noted that finding an easy method of payment will be challenging.

Ramdatt later noted that the region is fast becoming a tourism hub and, for this reason, transportation should be readily available.

He also used the opportunity to discuss tourism opportunities for the region. The REO expressed optimism and stated that the regional administration has been supportive of the sector by enhancing historical sites, including the Anna Regina high bridge and the East Indian Settlement Monument at Cotton Field.

Ramdatt added that access to the beaches and the maintenance of the roads have already been streamlined. This will ensure the creation of a more conducive environment for tourists, he said, adding that the development of more tourist sites and the increase in visitors to the region have resulted in the opening for more hotels.

He pledged the RDC’s support towards enhancing tourist sites and making them more accessible to visitors.

Meanwhile, GTA’s Deputy Director, Kamrul Baksh, told the regional officials who accompanied him that the ministry will facilitate training in the areas of hygiene and sanitation, access to small loans, and will help to develop the region’s website to provide a wide range of information on the tourism sector.

He said the linking of lakes in the Pomeroon to the Essequibo Coast and the provision of packages to tourists will also be looked at.

The emerging tourist businesses will be licensed and, according to the officials, a feasibility study will be undertaken to create more investment opportunities for tourism-related businesses in Region Two.

Regional Vice-Chairman, Humace Oodit; Deputy Regional Executive Officer (DREO), Susanah Saywack; Regional Education Officer, Nichola Matthews; Chief Accountant, Johan Seedyal; Personal Assistant to the Tourism Minister, Levi Carrington and GTA’s Research Assistant, Amrita Naraine were also present at the meeting.