HAVING a vision of transforming Guyana into the number one eco-destination in this part of the region, the government through the Ministry of Tourism for the first half of 2022 has expended some $312.8 Million to improve the capabilities of the sector.

The government invested significantly to improve the service sector to promote world-class service in the tourism industry. During the first half of the year, other initiatives by the tourism sector included the training of 808 persons in business and social media marketing, first aid and CPR, and hygiene and sanitisation, and to improve the delivery of quality tourism experiences to customers.

Financial support was provided for the First Catch Documentary to raise awareness and market sports fishing. Also, the government initiated the “Good Travel Seal” certification process with the Green Sustainable Tourism Council to gain business certification for five businesses: Atta Lodge, Iwokrama River Lodge, Karanambu Lodge, Rewa Eco Lodge and Caiman House Yupukari.

Expansion of tour experiences, through collaboration with several tour operators, the private sector, and communities across Guyana, has resulted in several new products such as the Kopinang Waterfall Experience in Region Eight; Nappi Mountain Trekking in Region Nine; Rainforest Retreat Experience in Region four, and Gobin’s Farm Experience in Region Three.

Additionally, the return of the popular Rupununi Rodeo has boosted Region Nine’s local economy, enabling many small business owners to market and sell their products, including indigenous hand-made crafts and cuisines.

According to the mid-year report, there was a 103 per cent increase in visitor arrivals from January to May 2022 from 48,626 to 105,905, when compared to the same period in 2021.

The report noted that this is primarily due to increased oil-and-gas activities, as well as the resumption of tourist activities such as the Bartica Regatta and Pakaraima Safaris.

Based on the assessments by the aviation sector, the country can expect some 158,223 additional arrivals in the second half of 2022, coinciding with Guyana hosting the finals of the Caribbean Premier League.

Based on Guyana’s trajectory and potential as a world-class tourism destination, President Ali disclosed the need for 2,000 additional hotel rooms by 2025 and has been actively pursuing the local and international private sector to invest in the establishment of international hotels in Guyana.

Room availability and conference facilities in the tourism sector were boosted by the opening of the US$100 million Pegasus Suites and Corporate Centre in the first half of the year.

The 12- storey glass tower provides an additional 100 rooms to the current stock, in addition to the seven-storey office complex.

Additionally, this sector will further benefit from the establishment of two luxury hotels, a 150-room Marriot Courtyard at Timehri, construction of which commenced in the first half of 2022, and the Pasha Global at Liliendaal, construction of which will commence in the second half of the year, boasting 200 rooms.