Gov’t to roll out measures to create competitive tourism industry

– President Ali

His Excellency, President Mohamed Irfaan Ali says the Government is working to develop a robust tourism industry. Dr. Ali said Guyana is heading in the direction of becoming a major destination for conference and convention tourism.

The Head of State was at the time delivering the feature address at the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association’s 25th annual presentation of awards ceremony on Wednesday.

President Ali said the Government will put systems in place to create an attractive environment for international branded hotels. This, coupled with improving the country’s tourism product particularly adventure, eco, heritage and sports tourism, would be a boon to the industry, he said.

“I want to assure members of the tourism sector that we are going to roll out a menu of measures that will improve your competitiveness, enhance your marketing and break through emerging markets.”

The President noted too that the proposed construction of a Hospitality Institute will harness the human resources needed for a world class tourism industry. Further, the removal of value-added tax on hinterland travel in the Emergency Budget 2020 will also boost sustainable tourism.

Meanwhile, President of the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG), Mr. Mitra Ramkumar, said the Institute will empower vulnerable groups in the society with the skills needed to the develop the tourism industry.  In an interview with DPI, he said, “It will benefit the vulnerable in society…I’m talking about mostly women, single mothers, school dropouts…people are able to have a second chance with this.”

In November, the Government signed several Memorandum of Understanding that will see several major multi-million-dollar hotels constructed in Guyana beginning next year.