Local tourism bodies ink MoU – formalise partnership

– announce launch of Restaurant Week

DPI, Guyana, Thursday, November 22, 2018

The Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) and the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) signed a Memorandum of Understanding which formalises their partnership in the tourism sector.

In a brief ceremony earlier today at the OMG Restaurant, in Georgetown, the two organisations inked the agreement.

GTA’s Director, Brian Mullis remarked that while the two entities have engaged on a number of activities, the signing of the MoU is aimed at officially regularise the partnership.

Mullis said “THAG and GTA have been partnering for a while but it has never been formal” adding that “Private Public Partnerships in tourism are the norm in matured tourism destinations in the world so we want to make sure that that’s a norm here in Guyana.”

The Tourism Director explained that the MoU has been structured based on each entity’s mandates and strengths, and has clear defended activities on which they would be collaborating.

“A structured approach of this nature will help to ensure our efforts are complementary and mutually reinforcing,” he said.

Echoing those sentiments was President of THAG, Mitra Ramkumar, who remarked that the goal is a sustainable tourism sector.

“This is an area I think that can be used across Guyana, of how the authority can work with the private sector in the interest of building the industry. This is not  – if it’s THAG or GTA – the focus is building our tourism industry, a sustainable tourism industry.”

The two tourism bodies also used the event to announce the launch of Guyana Restaurant Week (GRW) which forms part of the calendar of activities for Tourism Awareness Month.

During the week that starts November 23 and runs until December 2, patrons will have the opportunity to “eat, explore and repeat” at any of the 19 restaurants participating.

GRW’s Chairperson, Kevin Daby stated that culinary tourism has become increasingly popular around the world and provides a challenge for local restaurants to be innovative with their menus. Daby said the aim of GRW is to present patrons with excellent dining experience at a discounted price.

Anara Khan.

Image: Jules Gibson.