Building tourism in Guyana is not a one-man show. It requires genuine effort from all stakeholders involved. This was essentially the message delivered by Business Minister, Dominic Gaskin during his address at the Tourism and Hospitality Association’s (THAG) 26th-anniversary celebration last night. The event was held at the Marriott Hotel in Kingston, Georgetown.
Gaskin impressed upon his attentive audience that there are many opportunities for growth and development within the sector. He urged them nonetheless to ensure that whatever initiative is taken, that it be done in a way that is beneficial to all Guyanese.
“As we develop tourism in Guyana we must get it right. Getting it right is not just the responsibility of government or the private sector. I think it is a collective responsibility of government, the private sector, as well as various communities that wish to participate in tourism in Guyana,” the Minister noted.
Delivering remarks at the event also was THAG’s Director, Brian Mullis. The Tourism official asserted that the agency has been engaging partners to address the issues affecting the sector’s development. He added that the agency has been assimilating various guidelines and systems to ensure they confirm with international standards.
“We are integrating the guidelines and licensing systems with training so there will be a more unified system to raise the standards in Guyana.”
The proceedings last night also saw several awards being given to several stakeholders in recognition of their commitment to the tourism sector.
Duke Lodge Hotel copped the “Hotel of the Year” Award, while the “Best Resort of the Year” prize went to Atta Rainforest. Old Fort Tours was the recipient of the “Direct Tourism Services”, while the Correia Group of Companies took the “Hall of Fame 2018” award. Nurse Marcia Gravesande won the award for Supporting Tourism Services.
THAG is an umbrella body for associate, tourism and hospitality operations. These include: accommodation facilities, tour operators, tour guides, domestic and international air carriers, bars, transportation providers, travel agencies, tourism consultants and gift and craft shops.
The organisation was established on January 6, 1992 by a group of committed individuals who were willing to pool their resources and skills to promote the development of a tourism industry in Guyana. Today, the Association has a growing membership base spanning a range of tourism services across the country and is recognized as the leading private sector tourism organisation in Guyana.
