Tourism, hospitality sectors are new frontiers for economic growth – THAG President

Guyana’s tourism and hospitality sectors can become the new frontiers for economic growth, Mitra Ramkumar, President of the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) on Monday.

He said Guyana’s tourism product is imbedded in the far reaching communities and based on his experience, many tourists prefer to bask in the eco-tourism products here. So, he posited that it is crucial for Guyanese recognise these opportunities.

“I believe now Guyana is in a place where tourism can really get the injection that it needs to blossom.

“Tourism is or should be the new frontier…We got so much here that is where the demand is, the demand is for nature based tourism and that is what we have.

He said the eco-tourism products are focused on local attractions that directly benefit persons living in the communities close by. Notably, tourism in hinterland regions are being promoted widely with focus on indigenous communities.

Ramkumar said this is an area that more locals need to support in getting the products off the ground. Using the Arrowpoint tour, which he is familiar with, he said this is one of the ways that the locals there are able to earn.

“The village earns revenue from the start of the tour.

“All of this being done by the local communities. Even in Georgetown in the city, a lot of people don’t see themselves being involved in tourism but we need to understand that tourism involves all of us and there’s a place and room for all of us,” Ramkumar said.

Safety and security of the country is also an issue. Ramkumar said the speeding and crime in the country are factors preventing persons from visiting. He said he welcomes the current automated speeding ticket system.

“I know everything is a work in progress, and we will get there, but these are issues that affects us,” Ramkumar said.

He said the association works closely with the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) and the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce to get persons trained but he said it has to be training at every level and persons need to be more receptive to the opportunities these activities can provide.