New tourism initiatives in 2017
GINA, GUYANA, Tuesday, November 29, 2016
Guyana will host the prestigious 24th Inter-American Congress of Ministers and High Level Authorities of Tourism in 2017. This forum serves as a platform for the promotion of sustainable development of tourism through the sharing of experiences, technical cooperation, and bilateral engagement.
This was disclosed by Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan as he delivered the 2017 National budget, under the theme “Building a Diversify Green Economy, Delivering the Good Life to all Guyanese” in the National Assembly on Monday.
The crowds at the Durban Park on May 26, 2016 to view the float parade
Jordan said to ensure that all stakeholders have the opportunity to benefit from the expansion of the tourism industry; the Government will undertake a stocktaking exercise of potential sources of tourism products within the 10 administrative regions, in 2017.
Minister Jordan said the draft National Tourism Policy includes focus on developing market-ready tourism products, enhancing the quality of service, generating increased employment in the sector, and improving tourism’s contribution to economic growth. These will clearly identify elements of nature, culture, heritage, community, and other assets that could serve as the basis for the development of tourism in the Regions.
Meanwhile, a total of 170,318 visitors arrived in Guyana during the first three quarters of 2016, which is an 11 percent increase when compared to the same period in 2015. Visitor arrivals peaked in May, with over 24,000, which is double the number from May 2015.
Celebration of Guyana’s Golden Jubilee on May 26, 2016
Minister Jordan said following the conclusion of the Golden Jubilee celebrations, the opportunities for furthering the development of the tourism sector multiplied tremendously.
The first ever Coconut Festival held in 2016 shows the Government’s willingness to explore and promote new tourism initiatives, the minister stated. The festival complemented other expositions such as GuyExpo, Building Expo, and Wedding Expo, and served to bring together innovative entrepreneurs while attracting new tourists.
Additionally, the tourism sector will also benefit in 2017, from GO-Invest’s investments.
By Gabreila Patram