IN significant steps towards promoting Guyana’s vibrant culture and pristine ecosystems, the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) has launched several initiatives designed to enhance the visibility and long-term sustainability of tourism in Guyana.
From April 25 to May 2, the GTA, in collaboration with Wilderness Explorers, hosted a Familiarisation (FAM) Tour for North American media representatives, providing them with a firsthand experience of Guyana’s spectacular natural beauty and cultural heritage.
The media guests explored multiple key attractions, including the Waikin Ranch, Caiman House, Yupukari Village, Karanambu Lodge, and the breathtaking Kaieteur Falls, among others.
Their journey also included culturally enriching experiences like the Bourda Market Tour in Georgetown and a Demerara Sunset Cruise, offering a full spectrum of Guyana’s tourist offerings.
In a parallel effort to integrate agricultural development with tourism, the GTA has also thrown its support behind the Agri-tourism Policy and Roadmap Development initiative led by the Inter-American Institute for Co-operation on Agriculture (IICA).
This initiative aims to align with the National Strategic Development Policy to foster agri-tourism in Region Nine, enhancing the local economy and the tourism sector’s sustainability.
Adding to its list of projects, the GTA recently facilitated another Familiarisation Trip under the Discover Essequibo Circuit Development Project.
This project, a collaborative effort with the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana and regional tourism committees, included distinguished participants such as Jane Miller, the British High Commissioner to Guyana, and Mark Berman, the Canadian High Commissioner.
The trip showcased new tourism products and facilitated engagements with local stakeholders, highlighting the potential of the Essequibo and Bartica regions.
Additionally, the GTA also celebrated the conclusion of the “Scaling Up Community-led & Owned Tourism Development in Guyana” project, funded by the European Union.
This project focused on empowering Indigenous communities through sustainable tourism, culminating in a closing ceremony at the Lethem Business Incubator Centre.
Some 15 participants from communities including Sand Creek, Aishalton, and Shulinab completed an extensive learning route, gaining skills in various aspects of tourism at established enterprises like Toka and Manari Ranch.
These initiatives collectively aim to not only promote Guyana as a top-tier tourist destination but also to foster socio-economic development through sustainable, community-driven efforts. As these projects unfold, they promise to create new opportunities for the local population, while offering unforgettable experiences for international visitors.
