Technology in tourism inevitable – Min. Hughes
– Minister opens Drones and Tourism expo
DPI, Guyana, Sunday, November 18, 2018
Minister of Public Telecommunications Catherine Hughes today told local drone operators that their participation in the tourism industry is pivotal to both the sector and the development of Guyana.
Addressing the opening of an expo highlighting the use of drones in tourism at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre, Minister Hughes said the partnership between the tourism industry and technology has long been a “foregone conclusion.” According to her, in any part of the world where tourism is either developed or is developing, it is done using technology.
“Technology in tourism is inevitable. Drones and tourism marketing in today’s hi-tech world… in this digital era, you cannot have one without the other.”
As a former Minister of Tourism, Minister Hughes said Guyana has been using the drone technology for a number of years in tourism, agriculture, housing and other sectors.
“Our tourism industry is benefitting from drone-assisted photography and videography that provides a bird’s eye view, beckoning all our citizens and visitors alike to come and enjoy, discover this beautiful country,” she told the expo.
The Guyana Drone Operator Association was established to provide key information to local drone operators. President of the association Lancelot Khan said the drone is a technology that has been growing rapidly over the years.
Khan said Guyana has embraced the use of drones and while there is the need for protocols to protect all, the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority has been working with the drone association to create a glitch-free environment for drone operators.
Director General of Guyana Civil Aviation Authority Lieutenant Colonel(ret’d) Egbert Field noted that “drones are here to stay”
“The drone technology entered into the aviation industry and is not just to be used as a toy, but also for commercial activities,”. Field said drone technology has advanced so much, it has been immersed in the aviation industry. According to the Aviation DG, there is enough room for the drone technology to boost tourism in Guyana.
“Let us concentrate on what we can do with drones in a productive and commercial fashion.” He too called on the “technologically savvy” youth to make the industry into something worthwhile.
The drone and tourism expo forms part of activities to celebrate Tourism Awareness month being observed this November.
Alexis Rodney.
Images: Karime Peters.