THE Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) is urging Bed and Breakfast Facilities to offer supplementary accommodation services in preparation for the International Cricket Council (ICC) T20 World Cup scheduled for June 02, 2024 at the Guyana National Stadium.

According to the GNBS, the eagerly awaited ICC World Cup, along with the recently ended Independence Weekend concerts, (which has attracted a number of visitors to Guyana) highlights the need for additional quality accommodation facilities locally.
In order to address the shortage of hotel rooms in Georgetown and other areas, the GNBS recommends that service providers explore the option of converting their available spaces into Bed and Breakfast facilities that meet the GNBS’s National Standards.

The GNBS National Standard for Bed and Breakfast accommodation, known as GYS 514:2022- Requirements for Bed and Breakfast Facilities, integrates input from multiple stakeholders, such as the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), the Tourism and Hospitality Association Guyana (THAG), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and various others.

Additionally, the standard outlines the minimum requirements for B&B facilities operating in Guyana to improve the quality of services to visitors who select this accommodation style.
All stakeholders in the accommodation sub-sector, specifically local Bed and Breakfast providers and potential investors, can utilise this resource.

The National Standard sets forth minimum requirements for two distinct facility categories. The following fall under the A category: In order for Bed and Breakfast establishments to be classified as Category A, they must offer self-contained double or single bedroom accommodations equipped with an air-conditioning system, ceiling fan(s), Wi-Fi, television, and other essential amenities.

Additionally, for category B, the facility must provide a double room with adequate ventilation and either a ceiling or portable fan, without the requirement of air conditioning.
The GNBS states that enclosed in the document are considerations for room size, ensuring freedom of movement and privacy, meshed windows, fire safety, pest control, security, a parking area, a policy for payments and cancellation of reservations, and a caretaker among other requirements.

Moreover, the search to fulfil the growing need to provide quality services and comfortable accommodation to all categories of tourists and other visitors to Guyana continues to be a priority with our expanding tourism sector.
Proprietors are advised to obtain a copy of the National Standard from the GNBS. Service providers have the option to pursue the certification programme through the application form found on the GNBS’s official website: www.gnbsgy.org.