IN a significant move, the government, through the Guyana Tourism Authority, has successfully introduced its first tourism offering for the year, thereby amplifying the economic prospects of the sector and its role in fostering the country’s growth and development.

As a direct consequence, individuals assembled to commemorate the introduction of a one-of-a-kind pottery venture named ‘Journey through Pottery’, designed to offer an unparalleled tourist experience in Guyana.

The tourism product and guest house are located in the village of Toka, Region Nine, and will no doubt contribute to the economic activity in this remote and hinterland community.
Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority, Kamrul Baksh, was happy to join other tourism stakeholders in Rupununi for the historical launch.

“Pottery in Toka, as an experience, would be the first experience, hosted by an indigenous community of its kind. So, that’s a one-of-a-kind experience,” Baksh stated as he delivered the feature address at the launching ceremony.

He also noted the combined effort of partners like Conservation International, Visit Rupununi, the Guyana Tourism Authority, the Ministry of Tourism, and the community, in creating the new experience.

“What this does is it diversifies the product portfolio of the North Rupununi. North Rupununi, in my view is the most developed tourism circuit in the country. What this Toka experience is doing is strengthening that product even further. So, no longer will Toka be just a drive-by community, but persons are going to …venture to Toka…enjoy this very unique experience which is the pottery making…,” he stated.

He noted that expanding the products has been a priority for the GTA.

Baksh asserts the importance and necessity of bolstering regional authorities like Visit Rupununi, enabling them to take charge of local product management and development.
This, he said, is being done in all other administrative regions.

Pottery has been a significant part of the community for a long time; nonetheless, the GTA has actively contributed to the technical training required for this craft. In due time, training for packaging the product will be concluded, facilitating the marketing of pottery products across multiple locations and online platforms.

The GTA has also done familiarisation visits to the village with local tour operators who are keen to add the experience to their itinerary.

A visit to Toka comprises pottery making, hiking to the Taiwu Falls, swimming, star gazing, bonfire and storytelling, and ant eater spotting, among others.

The initiative also received endorsement from Regional Chairman Brian Allicock, who expressed his support in his remarks.