ACTING Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Mr. Irfaan Ali has said tourism is the most important and strategic sector to secure Guyana’s future growth and development.Coupled with stellar levels of service, Guyana’s tourism sector will be propelled onto the international front, he said in a special New Year message.
It continued: “We recognise that the expansion of Guyana’s economy lies in tourism and, with the increasing investments and expressions of interest for the coming year, there will be a great turnaround in our tourism drive.
“With this in mind, we must, therefore, inculcate a culture that understands tourism, which must be ingrained in the daily lives of Guyanese and which must be reflected in our interactions with guests/visitors arriving in Guyana.
“It is also imperative for every citizen to embrace the necessary infrastructure that seeks to further propel the sector forward, including the CJIA Expansion Project and the Marriott Hotel.
“Air service is critically linked to the survival of the tourism industry and there is an immediate need for an adequate airport as we prepare to welcome several major carriers in the new year.
“We acknowledge, too, that there is a need for Guyana to be made a vibrant transportation hub in anticipation of the Brazil World Cup Football tournament. To make this a reality, it is, therefore, necessary for a combined marketing effort, involving Government and the tourism and private sector representatives.
“2013 has been a very successful year on many fronts, the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce and the Guyana Tourism Authority have intensified partnerships with the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana and other private sector companies, to host a series of events, to facilitate training within the industry and to market and promote the destination.
Much reason
“The resulting reality holds much reason to celebrate; the GTA has recorded consecutive months of record breaking arrivals. As of November, we are 11.7 percent above the same period in 2012.
“Destination Guyana continues to receive international acclaim. In November 2013, National Geographic Traveler presented its 2014 must-see places on planet earth and Guyana earned a coveted spot on this exclusive, very short list for the very first time in 2014.
“National Geographic further went on to say that Guyana may be the best kept secret in South America, stunning natural wonders stretching from newly restored mangroves near Georgetown to the mighty Kaieteur Falls to the pristine Iwokrama rainforest, Guyana offers curious travelers an opportunity to experience one of only four remaining intact rainforest ecosystems on the planet.
“Additionally several new documentaries were filmed and major publications featured Guyana, highlighting several aspects of the growing tourism industry.
“These achievements are certainly impressive when one considers the performance of other Caribbean countries and differences in the dynamics of our respective tourism industries.”
The minister said: “I would like to take this opportunity to encourage the tourism stakeholders to continue your hard work and push towards the sustainable development of this very important industry. I would also like to use this occasion to salute our discerning tourists for choosing ecologically friendly destinations such as Guyana.
“I take this opportunity to also wish the entire nation and visiting families and friends a Happy and prosperous 2014…
Happy New Year.”