Tourism sector will rebound from pandemic – President Ali

His Excellency, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali has said Guyana’s tourism sector will emerge “stronger and more resilient” from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Head of State addressed the nation today on the launch of Tourism Awareness Month.

“We will beat this pandemic. Our tourism sector will emerge stronger and more resilient; jobs will be restored and Guyana will continue to entice the world with its astounding tourism product,” Dr Ali said this afternoon.

The President cited data from the United Nations World Tourism Organization, which shows an estimated 65 per cent decline in world tourism in the first half of 2020. This has resulted in the loss of more than 850 million jobs and some US$ 1.2 trillion in earnings.

Similarly, Guyana’s tourism sector has suffered an estimated decline of 46 per cent of its revenues for the first half of the year, with 30 per cent of the sector’s employees losing their jobs and an additional 36 per cent being placed on unpaid leave.

“I am supremely confident that while our market may have been affected, our tourism product remains unblemished by the pandemic, and that with the right support, the local tourism sector will recover,” President Ali said in his statement.

He said his Government is employing measures to stimulate the revival of the industry.

“In this year’s Budget, we announced, for example, the removal of the value-added tax on hinterland travel and the provision of special tax incentives for new hotels and tourism-related businesses. We have already signaled our intention to nurture the recovery and revitalisation of the sector.”

In the meantime, the Head of State said a collective effort is needed to safeguard the country’s diverse tourism product, even as he urged citizens to play their part “as we navigate this very challenging period.”

“I encourage our people to continue to demonstrate that warmth and welcoming disposition which is so characteristic of the traditional Guyanese hospitality; to preserve and protect our natural environment and keep it free from pollution; and to ensure that we comply with the COVID-19 guidelines which are in place to keep our country, its people and our visitors safe.” This year’s tourism month is being celebrated under the theme: “Destination Guyana, Recover and Rebuild – Getting ready to bounce back!”