THE tourism sector made significant advancements in the previous year, and with a plethora of plans for 2014, it is expected that more developments will be achieved.

The Tourism Ministry projects a 15 percent increase in tourist arrivals to ‘Destination Guyana’, making 2014 another record-breaking year in terms of tourist arrivals.

In 2013, an increase of 11.7% over 2011 arrivals was recorded. The Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) will continue to record numbers from all major ports of entry: Moleson Creek, Lethem, and the Ogle and Cheddi Jagan International airports.

Several familiarisation trips are scheduled to be conducted, which will result in more visitors. The “Fam” trips are proactive, cost effective trips that promote the country.

Guyana is rapidly becoming a popular film and documentary destination. Numerous international broadcasting companies have shown interest in filming in the country. In 2013, the Discovery Channel filmed here an entire season of the popular show ‘Gold Rush’, and this year there are plans for Alcon Films (Producers of Twilight Movies) to film part of a movie in Guyana.

The Tourism Ministry, along with the GTA, will strengthen collaboration with the private sector to host signature events throughout the year. These include the highly successful Fort Island Dinner, Masharama, Guyana Trade and Tourism Expo in New York and Canada, Leguan Night, and the South Rupununi Safari.

Guyana’s tourism sector is expected to be significantly boosted with expansion of the CJIA and completion of the Marriott Hotel. They both have the potential to stimulate Guyana’s economy, simultaneously creating a myriad of job opportunities and employment, which in turn will generate revenue.

An expanded airport of the scale and magnitude intended is coming at an opportune time, when nationals of other countries would be given an opportunity to frequent Guyana. It is a relevant investment, and will attract major carriers which will ensure that the benefits would significantly improve commerce in the country.
Several major carriers have already expressed their intention to begin plying the Georgetown route, and others are expected to increase their flights here.

The tourism sector’s efforts at building a viable industry are served by A-class services, and this was advanced in 2013 with the continuing construction of Guyana’s first five-star hotel. Work progressed rapidly, with the main building structure and the east podium of the multi-storey edifice being completed, while work moved apace on the other sections. The hotel is scheduled for completion in August of this year.

The GTA will continue to make information regarding the Guyana tourism products available online through various means, such as its websites, social media sites, and by employing other available technologies.
The Information & Communication Technology (ICT) Unit at the GTA will continue to focus on training, regulations, institutional strengthening, community development programmes, niche product development and continued development of standards, criteria or best practices for Guyana’s tourism products and services.

Guyana has been dubbed ‘South America’s best kept secret’ by the renowned National Geographic Traveler magazine, which listed Guyana as one of the 21 must-see places in 2014.

(GINA)