Wichabai Ranch, Leon Moore Nature Experiences and Toma 1 Receive Conditional Approval for Reopening

The Guyana Tourism Authority is pleased to announce the conditional approval of Wichabai Ranch, Leon Moore Nature Experiences and Toma 1 for reopening as per the guidelines tied to the National COVID-19 measures and GTA’s recommended Hygiene and Sanitation protocols.

With the exception of the use of the swimming pool, it is important to note that in accordance with section 6 (6) of the gazetted National COVID-19 Emergency Measures, all health and safety protocols (Wearing of masks, physical distancing, sanitisation, etc) and guidelines, this conditional approval for tourism businesses permits:

●   Hosting of Guests for Day Tours and Overnight Stays.

●   Tour Activities such as nature walks, bird watching, etc.

●    Recreational activities on the beach and in rivers and creeks such as kayaking, jet skiing, swimming, etc.

Businesses that have received their conditional approvals, must be reminded of the above as well as the  importance  of  maintaining  the  guidelines  as  outlined  by  the  GTA  and  the  National COVID-19 measures. Any business found in breach of these guidelines will face revocation of its approval.

Director of the GTA, Carla James encouraged businesses to reach out to the GTA to schedule their inspections, “we owe it to our communities to ensure that tourism successfully yet safely recovers, but we can only do so if we work together. We at the GTA are always available to provide the necessary support to guide you through your reopening process, so don’t hesitate to call us or come into our office.”

Travellers interested in booking a tour or trip, are reminded to use only GTA-approved tourism businesses to avoid placing themselves and their companions at risk while trying to enjoy all that this beautiful country has to offer.  A detailed list of approved tourism businesses (tourism accommodation establishments, interior lodges and resorts and tour companies) can be found on the GTA’s Facebook Page under the album titled “Safe for Travel”.

The 2-step process for tourism businesses to reopen as directed by the GTA and the National COVID-19 Task Force (NCTF) remains the same:

●    Submission of Business’s written Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to the GTA for a desk review.

●    On-site inspection of Businesses to verify the implementation of the SOPs and approval by the GTA.

For more information and guidance on the 2-step conditional approval process for reopening of tourism businesses, kindly contact Micheala Lindore, Tourism Business Support Officer within the GTA at  micheala@guyanatourism.com or Carla James, Director of the GTA at  carla@guyanatourism.com.