EXPLORE GUYANA 2013, the tourism sector’s premier travel magazine, and one of its most important tourism marketing tools, was unveiled last night during the launch of Tourism Awareness Month 2012.

Framed copies were presented to President Donald Ramotar, Tourism Minister Irfaan Ali and Daniel Gajie, acting President of the Tourism and Hospitality Association (THAG), by Chairman of the THAG Marketing Committee, Shaun McGrath.
In brief comments to the gathering, McGrath said: “Over the last 12 years, every edition of Explore Guyana has helped (to promote) Guyana as a land of tropical rainforest; sprawling savannahs; mystic mountains; monster rivers; spectacular bird and wild life; and a friendly, welcoming, and hospitable people. (It) has successfully played an important part in the work that is being done to promote Guyana as a beautiful, interesting and exciting travel destination; (and) the increasing number of people who are travelling to Guyana to experience our unique product is testament to this fact.”
Guyana has seen an overall increase of 19% in visitor arrivals, and in August, the sector saw a record 31% increase in same.
McGrath disclosed that response to the magazine has been overwhelmingly positive in Guyana as well as overseas, and its publication is eagerly awaited at many markets. In fact, it will be launched internationally at the World Travel Market to be held in London next week.
This edition of Explore Guyana features for the first time a Quick Response (QR) Code on the cover. Readers can scan the code with their smart phones or tablets and have instant access to the entire magazine.
The cover photograph, taken by internationally renowned photographer James Broscombe, shows a Humming Bird feeding her young. The stunning image is further enhanced by cutting edge printing technology called Liquid Aqueous Coating, which gives the image a 3D effect.
Explore Guyana 2013 is the first publication in the Caribbean to use this new feature.
The magazine features contributions from award winning photographer James Broscombe and US based Guyanese travel writer Ruth Ann Lynch, along with articles by two Guyanese with extensive knowledge of Guyana’s interior and heritage: Major General (Ret’d) Joe Singh and Mayor Hamilton Green.
McGrath further revealed that THAG is working with Apple to develop an Explore Guyana App and to make the magazine available as an e-mag for the iPad and Kindle, which will ensure increased readership and accessibility, with consequently greater impact on Guyana’s tourism product.
He also took the opportunity to thank Minister Ali, the Ministry of Tourism, and the Guyana Tourism Authority for their support, and said: “Collaboration between government agencies and the private sector is the only way we will develop (the) industry to its fullest potential. There is a new understanding at (the) national level of the positives that tourism brings to a country. (This) has been proven by the collaboration amongst THAG, the Ministry of Tourism and the GTA on this project.”
This is the first time that the magazine has been unveiled at this forum.
According to McGrath, “The government has shown, and continues to show, its support and commitment to Explore Guyana (as it has ordered) an additional 5,000 copies for distribution.(Government)has more importantly agreed to help distribute the magazine through (its) embassies and consulates worldwide.”
Explore Guyana 2013 is published by Advertising and Marketing Services Limited (AMSL) headed by Managing Director Lokesh Singh. This is the 11th publication by AMSL. The magazine is free.