NOW that World Tourism Day celebrations have concluded, the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) said the launch of 12 new tourism experiences, in collaboration with the tourism private sector and tourism-focused communities, is one of its priority areas of focus in 2022.

This move forms the basis of the GTA expanding its reach and diversifying the country’s tourism product offerings, a release said.
World Tourism Day was launched under the theme: “Rethinking Tourism” and to mark the occasion, four new tourism experiences were launched.

Through Touring Guyana, the Mangrove Heritage Tour and the New Amsterdam Heritage Trail Tour will certainly attract history lovers who are seeking to incorporate softer adventure experiences into their itineraries. Azure Experiences on the other hand, through their new offerings – The Kopinang Waterfall Tour and the Yoga Breakfast & Nature Walk Tour adds a unique twist to adventure-based experiences.

Earlier in September, the GTA launched the Bush Cow Eco Trails Experience in Nappi Village, Region Nine and the Quarrie Waterfall Tour, Region Nine.
As the GTA embarks on enhancing key sites around the country, a mural was unveiled at the Moleson Creek ferry terminal. This mural aims to provide a calming, welcoming atmosphere to persons who will be entering Guyana at this port of entry. This initiative ties into the GTA’s inclusive, multi-stakeholder approach to tourism development. Local artist Colin Nedd produced this phenomenal body of work.

In addition, GTA Director Kamrul Baksh, in collaboration with the Mayor of Bartica Gifford Marshall, as well as the Bartica Tourism Committee officially launched the Baracara Falls tourism-enhancement initiative.
A number of garbage-disposal items and posters highlighting the top 9 ‘Safe and Clean Tips for Tourist Sites’ were donated to the team by the GTA, in addition to a “Litter-Free” zone notice which has been erected at the site. The team also took part in a clean-up session.

“The GTA is committed to providing the necessary support to all of our tourism destinations to ensure that they provide the highest quality of service to visitors. After all, protecting our environment starts with respecting our environment,” the release said.

The sector, the release noted, has showed resilience at its most difficult moment and has since rebounded with amazing pace and the results prove that the recovery road is well underway. However, as the sector emerges into a new light, new challenges lie ahead.

Travellers have become more discerning, expecting a higher level of service, safety, quality tourism offerings and an overall good experience.
The GTA said Guyana has embarked on a pathway to create new tours and packages for all the right types of travellers. Crucially, the efforts to integrate the Caribbean region will allow Guyana to tap into new markets, as opposed to focusing on saturated ones.

“This diverse product portfolio will allow us to cater to the international and business markets but also the diaspora and domestic markets. The digital expansion strategy will address the footprint issues and access to services. More seamless transactions translate into higher visitor satisfaction and that is a top priority for the sector. Importantly, Rethinking Tourism involves strengthening partnerships with all sector actors that will result in sustainable development. A stronger unit will reflect a positive image for Destination Guyana on the global stage. The future of tourism development and management in Guyana is exciting yet challenging. Let’s acknowledge that together,” the release said.