Discover Essequibo with the click of button
—New tourism marketing organization and website launched
DPI, Guyana, Saturday, November 30, 2019
Guyanese and visitors alike can now learn of all the tourist attractions the ‘Cinderella County’ has to offer with the click of a button.
The Guyana Tourism Authority today launched Discover Essequibo Guyana at Movie Towne, Turkeyen – the country’s newest Regional Destination Marketing and Management Organisation aimed at boosting tourism in the county.
GTA’s Senior Officer of Product Development and Certification Kamrul Baksh pointed out that over the last year, Guyana has received positive feedback both locally and internationally which led to tremendous growth in the tourism sector. According to Baksh, this was the spark that led to the creation of Discover Essequibo.
Essequibo, he observed “has vibrant tourism offering which can easily become a high-quality tourism destination”
However, Baksh pointed out that attractions and activities do not convert to a tourism destination. He explained that “it requires a body with a governance structure, a developmental mandate, a clearly defined strategy and action plan with a company and revenue streams. Discover Essequibo provides a pathway for regional stakeholders to be empowered to elevate the level of tourism development by unifying to achieve the joint goals of the cluster.”
Director of the GTA Brian Mullis explained that Discover Essequibo will see all tourism operators promoting what the Essequibo has to offer as a whole that will benefit everyone. “We want to not only appeal to the domestic market but the international market and diaspora as well”
The region he said has a rich culture, pristine forest, secluded beaches, great food and great hospitality. He noted that the tourism committee in Regions Two and Seven are already on board with the initiative.
Representatives from the tourism committee of both regions said Essequibo is becoming a prime destination and are optimistic about the potential of Discover Essequibo to better promote what their regions have to offer.
Other agencies on board are Compete Caribbean and the Inter-American Development Bank who are playing major roles in the promotion of Discover Essequibo Mullis stated.
He noted that “We [GTA) are committed to building the Essequibo tourism circuit in collaboration with Discover Essequibo, the tourism private sector, sister governmental agencies and donors.”
Today’s launch also facilitated several tour operators who showcased the various packages they have to offer the public.