–Dr. Jagdeo discloses

VICE-PRESIDENT Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo has said that the historic Vreed-en-Hoop stelling will be converted into a tourist facility.

He made these remarks during a public meeting on Friday at the Patentia Market Square, Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), as he touted major plans to transform Wales and other areas into development hubs.

“In Vreed-en-Hoop, we hope to convert the old stelling into a tourist facility and right along the river to have, like boat cruises that would land there to expand tourism,” he said.

Guyana continues to make significant strides in the global tourism industry, particularly in the realm of sustainable tourism.

Last month, President Dr. Irfaan Ali said, “Tourism is not a sideshow in Guyana’s economy anymore. It’s becoming a core driver in employment and enterprise.”

Guyana now offers 65 new tour experiences.

“We created authentic uniquely Guyanese experiences. That’s what tourists remember and come back for-the experience…We can’t build a tourism product at the national and regional scale. We have to understand that if we want to punch hard, we have to punch global,” the President said.

Earlier this year, Minister of Tourism, Industry, and Commerce Oneidge Walrond emphasised that the benefits of tourism extend beyond the capital, Georgetown and the coastal regions, reaching hinterland communities and other areas where community tourism is gaining momentum.

“Guyanese are seeing a government that is deliberate about making sure that they benefit from the expansion of our economy. The expansion of the tourism sector is just one of the sectors that they are seeing many benefits from,” she said.

As Guyana continues to embrace its tourism potential, the government’s strategic initiatives aim to ensure that the nation not only attracts more visitors but also fosters a thriving economy that uplifts all its citizens.