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As Guyana hits record hotel occupancy rates, the growing collaboration between hotels, tour operators, entertainment venues, and recreational facilities could greatly enhance Guyana’s tourism industry.
With the launch of new international flight routes and increased air connectivity, it is now much easier for travelers to reach Guyana than it used to be.
The addition of flights from major hubs in North America, the Caribbean, and Europe has led to an increase in both business and leisure travelers, contributing to higher hotel occupancy.
Local political leaders are urging tourism-related industries in Guyana to work together in several ways to build and promote the country as a world-class tourist destination. Here are some of the ways in which they could do this.
1. Creating Integrated Packages
Hotels, tour operators, and entertainment providers can work together to create comprehensive travel packages that include accommodation, tours, activities, and dining experiences. By bundling these services, tourists receive a seamless experience that showcases the diverse offerings of Guyana, from its pristine rainforests to its vibrant cultural heritage.
2. Coordinated Marketing Campaigns
Businesses in the tourism sector can partner with the government and the Guyana Tourism Authority to create unified marketing strategies. These campaigns could highlight Guyana’s unique attractions—such as eco-tourism, cultural diversity, and adventure tourism—and reach potential tourists through social media, international travel expos, and strategic partnerships with international travel platforms.
3. Improving Infrastructure
Tourism industries can collaborate with the government to advocate for and invest in improved infrastructure, such as better roads, airports, and telecommunications. This would enhance the overall tourist experience, making travel within Guyana more convenient and attractive. Additionally, businesses can offer feedback on key areas needing improvement, ensuring that developments align with tourist expectations.
4. Training and Workforce Development
Hotels, restaurants, and tour operators can work together to provide training programs for local employees, focusing on improving service standards, language skills, and cultural knowledge. A well-trained workforce will offer higher quality service, enhancing the country’s reputation as a professional and hospitable tourist destination.
5. Promoting Local Culture and Eco-Tourism
Collaboration among tourism businesses, local communities, and environmental organizations can promote eco-tourism and cultural tourism in a sustainable way. This involves partnering with Indigenous groups, conservation organizations, and small businesses to offer eco-friendly tours, cultural exchanges, and authentic local experiences that protect Guyana’s natural resources and benefit local communities.
6. Hosting Events and Festivals
Businesses and the government can collaborate to host cultural festivals, sporting events, and international conferences that attract tourists. These events can serve as major attractions while also offering an opportunity for the hospitality sector, tour operators, and other service providers to showcase their offerings.
7. Digital Platforms for Booking and Information
Tourism businesses can work together to establish a unified online booking platform where visitors can easily plan their trips. This platform could provide information about accommodations, tours, dining options, transportation, and events. An accessible, well-maintained website would help Guyana attract tech-savvy travelers.
8. Strengthening Public-Private Partnerships
Strong partnerships between the government and private businesses are crucial to supporting the overall development of tourism. These collaborations can help shape policies, create incentives for investment in tourism infrastructure, and ensure that regulations are in place to maintain safety, quality standards, and sustainability.
By fostering cooperation across these industries, Guyana can build a strong, cohesive tourism ecosystem that attracts a diverse range of visitors, generates economic growth, and highlights the country’s rich cultural and natural assets.
This joint effort seeks to increase tourist arrivals, create diverse job opportunities, and boost foreign income.
However, local politicians are at pains to point out that realizing these objectives will require solid cooperation between businesses and the government.
Minister of Tourism, Industry, and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond, emphasized the significance of this integration during the inauguration of the Aiden by Best Western Hotel on Oronoque Street, Georgetown, last Saturday evening.
“In this model of interconnectedness, hotels go beyond offering accommodation, they become ambassadors for the destination, actively promoting its attractions and experiences to the guests,” the minister stated.
This collaborative approach will enable all stakeholders, from local tour guides to small businesses, to benefit from the expanding visitor economy.
With the rapid transformation underway, Minister Walrond emphasised the necessity of public-private partnerships to create a competitive tourism sector on the global stage.
She encouraged all tourism stakeholders to embrace interconnectedness and work towards building an inclusive and sustainable sector.
“By working together, we can maximise the value of every visitor and ensure that the benefit of tourism is shared across the entire community. Let us continue to build, grow, and invest in Guyana’s future together,” the tourism minister encouraged.
Currently, hotels in Guyana are experiencing record occupancy rates, with visitor arrivals expanding by double digits each year and the South American Caribbean country is on track to welcome over a million passengers by the end of November 2024.
Additionally, Minister Walrond has indicated that the government is exploring a greater variety of accommodation options, including glamping (glamorous camping) and luxury eco-lodges.
Source: Guyana PIS.
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