This and other edition can be found at www.guyana-tourism.com and www.issuu/guyana

GTA Continues to Ensure High Standards in the Sector…Tour Guides receive First Aid Training Training and capacity building remain critical components in the overall strategy of improving the hospitality and tourism sector in Guyana. In light of this, the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) facilitated two days of First Aid Training for Tour Guides from various companies including Wilderness Explorers, Wonderland Tours, Dagron Tours, Rainforest Tours and Old Fort Tours; this exercise formed part of the first phase of First Aid Training this year. These training sessions, conducted by Mr. Railton Evelyn from St. John’s Ambulance Brigade, fit into the requirement (Tour Guide Regulation) that all tour guides in the industry must be trained and equipped with a valid first aid certificate. Several of the areas covered during the two day sessions (May17th and 18th) included Guidelines of First Aid, Emergency Scene Management, Primary Survey Steps, Making a diagnosis, Signs and Symptoms, Fractures, Wounds and Bandages – Types of wounds, bleeding, causes and remedial actions. Practical sessions also formed part of the training; here attendees were given the opportunity to put theory into practice and to demonstrate their skills in administering CPR and the application of bandages. Upon completion of the training sessions, the guides will receive a certificate from the St. John’s Ambulance Brigade, which is valid for three years. The GTA recognizes that the knowledge of first aid, particularly among tour guides, promotes a healthy, secure and a safer environment, and instills confidence amongst visitors, tourists, their colleagues and associates using the services of the local operators. According to the GTA Director, Mr. Indranauth Haralsingh, industry stakeholders need to develop an appreciation for rules and regulations and recognize that adherence to them by all concerned parties is vital for the proper functioning and development of Guyana’s tourism industry. Alluding specifically to the importance of First Aid Training, he said “It is important for Tour Guides to be able to render assistance whenever necessary. Given the nature of our terrain it is reassuring to to have a guide that can administer appropriate first aid care, as the first responders in case of an emergency ." He noted too that the GTA is striving to prepare the local businesses to become more competitive and to ensure that these establishments and operations meet the minimum requirements that is expected by any tourist or visitor visiting any one of these facilities, whether overseas or locals.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

GTA seeking to Strengthen Interagency Collaboration

CPL Matches Coming to Guyana Pakaraima safarians, sponsors hailed at

awards ceremony Guyana to be showcased at trade show

in North America Fly Jamaica gets greenlight for New

York, Toronto routes CAL to add fourth weekly non-stop

flight to New York

GTA seeking to Strengthen Interagency Collaboration...Stakeholders meet to discuss Regulations Enforcement.

In an effort to strengthen enforcement of the regulations governing the Tourism and Hospitality Sector, the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) recently hosted a multi stakeholder meeting at its Sophia Office. Representatives from the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), City Hall (Public Health), the Guyana Fire Service, and the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) attended the session and made contributions on behalf of their agencies. These agencies are all responsible for issuing Certificates of Conformity to hoteliers and

owners of interior lodges and resorts in Guyana. “We need businesses to conform to the regulations and to become more competitive,” the GTA Director, Mr. Indranauth Haralsingh declared as the session proceeded. Expounding on the importance of the timely engagement, Haralsingh pointed to the advantages of such interactions and the fact that it will aid in setting a common standard for businesses, expedite the licensing process, and ensure compliance with the Regulations and the law. Each representative was briefed on the Regulations and told of the necessary requirements for tourism accommodation establishments and interior lodges and resorts; these businesses are required to have a certificate and/or license from these respective organizations before a license can be issued by the GTA. Among the plethora of issues raised was the need for strengthened communication and interaction among all relevant agencies, as the Government seeks to advance the country’s tourism product. In sharing their experiences, several of the participants also spoke of the need for closer monitoring and reiterated the need for interagency cooperation in tackling instances of fraud, misrepresentation and non compliance. In this regard, all parties recognised the need for a revamping of the entire system and pledged to maintain closer interagency linkages, as they seek to garner better results. Since its formal launch by the Honourable Minister of Tourism, Industry & Commerce, Minister Irfaan Ali in April 2012, the Regulations has gained momentum within the Tourism Industry. Various awareness sessions were conducted throughout Guyana between the months of April and July and the inspection aspect began in September 2012. The GTA Inspection Team started this process with Tour Operators and to date, thirty (34) are registered, nineteen (19) of which have been inspected. The Inspection Team also began the process of inspecting Tourism Accommodation in December 2012; to date 100 are registered, of which 88 have been inspected; two hundred and twenty one (221) properties and individuals have so far registered with the GTA. The Tourism Accommodation Establishments is a subsidiary Legislation, which is Regulations No. 16 of 2008. Regulations were gazetted on the 22nd November, 2008.

CPL Matches Coming to Guyana... Several Caribbean Premier League (CPL) cricket matches will be staged in Guyana in between June and July, and it is expected to be a flamboyant display of sportsmanship and culture. This was confirmed today, as Tourism Industry and Commerce Minister, Irfaan Ali met with representatives from CPL and Digicel; a major sponsor of the event. “Guyana has the best potential, we have the largest Diaspora who love cricket...we are going to pull out all of the stops as we are committed to promoting this,” Minister Ali affirmed. The CPL is set to bowl off in July, with franchises based in Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, St Lucia and Trinidad and Tobago. Minister Ali acknowledged too that the sheer magnitude of this event will help to strategically align ‘Destination Guyana’, as the country will be featured in the extensive marketing and promotion of the CPL in the Caribbean and the wider world. Also on the table for discussion was the line up of players and the potential of the ‘best selection’ to attract spectators from across the globe. DIGICEL Group Marketing Director, Mr. Kieran Foley noted that one of the prerequisites and highlights of the matches being staged in Guyana is that the county will be able to showcase and display of “real Caribbean culture”. Digicel was named as the first global sponsor for the inaugural 2013 tournament and beyond in a multi-year deal. As previous sponsors of the West Indies cricket team and the Digicel Caribbean Cup the brand has considerable experience with sponsoring cricket and other sporting events throughout the Caribbean. “The CPL is a perfect fit for Digicel. We’re huge fans of West Indies cricket and this is a great opportunity for us to invest not only in what will be an amazing event, but also in the young cricketers who will benefit from around the region,” Mr. Foley said. Meanwhile, CPL Operations Manager, also pointed to the immense benefits Guyana is set to derive from the games being staged here; he said too that the CPL will only be successful with the cooperation t of the Tourist Boards of the supporting countries and the backing of officials spreading awareness about the event. Minister Ali concurred with this position and assured that the Government of Guyana and the Tourism Ministry will collaborate in various ways, including linking websites, advertising etc, to make the most of the “golden” opportunity. The visiting duo reassured that ticket prices for the matches, to be staged at the Guyana National Stadium, will be affordable and “packaged” to suit the multitude of fans that will descend on the venue. With the matches now looming, the Tourism Minister announced that the event will be aggressively marketed during the coming weeks and months as planned Trade Shows in New York and Canada are staged; this he stressed will be done in collaboration with the Private Sector. The CPL official also outlined that the tournament will ensure regional players as he outlined the makeup of the six franchise teams, explaining that each team would have 15 players, at least six of whom must be local players from that franchise country. In addition, at least four of the players must be under the age of 23. The remainder of the team must consist of regional and/or local players and a maximum of four international players. Franchise players include Chris Gayle, his fellow Jamaican teammate Marlon Samuels, Sunil Narine; Dwayne Bravo; West Indies Team Captain Darren Sammy; and Kieron Pollard. This year’s CPL will start on June 30 and concludes on August 24.

Pakaraima safarians, sponsors hailed at awards ceremony- safari club to be organized

THE Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) last Friday evening held a presentation ceremony following the conclusion of the 11th Pakaraima Mountain Safari. The ceremony was to reward the daring men and women who completed the 529-mile journey to the Pakaraima Mountains, between March and April this year. The safarians and sponsors of the event were presented with a certificate of participation and special awards at the GTA building at the Sophia Exhibition Centre. In attendance were Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Irfaan Ali and Managing Director, Rainforest Tours and leader of the 11th Pakaraima Mountain Safari, Frank Singh.

Prime Minister Hinds commended all who took part in the safari and said that this was a great way to build relationships. “Let us recognize that we are accomplishing many things, we are building our country, we are developing bonds, we are developing the links, the contact between coastal and hinterland people and between people of different races,” he said.

Ali highlighted the importance of the safari to the development of ‘Destination Guyana’. He said that the mission of those who participate in the safari is integral to the development of the tourism product that the ministry is trying to create. He noted also that the safari is now a large component of the tourism product in Guyana and South America. Meanwhile, Ali disclosed that plans are afoot to organise the safari in a more structured way, so as to place it more in the mainstream of the country’s tourism product. In this regard, he explained that the ministry is moving feverishly towards organising a safari club in Guyana. This would lead to regulations being put in place for the safari, such as specific requirements for drivers involved in the journey.

He further stated that the development of other routes for the safari is being explored. Moreover, he said, it is important that the safarians form themselves into an organisation as it would allow for synergy and linkages among the different safari clubs in South America and the rest of the Caribbean. This will also allow for the planning of activities between and among these clubs, where Guyana could be the centre, Ali added.

Among those honoured last Friday was Harripersaud Nokta, the pioneer of the Pakaraima Mountain Safari. Nokta was presented with a handicraft plaque by the Prime Minister; a token from the Ministry of Tourism for his tremendous work as a pioneer in the safari event and also in hinterland communities.

Nokta expressed his gratitude for the award, and said that the token would help him to readily recall some of his days in the Pakaraimas. He also expressed the hope that the event would continue to grow as he foresees a time when it will be held twice yearly.

The 11th Pakaraima Mountain Safari was a 10-day trip that allowed the safarians to travel in a convoy of 28 vehicles - 4x4s and All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) to witness some of the country’s most diverse terrain.

The safari allowed participants to experience the beauty of the local flora and fauna as they undertook the journey, filled with thrills and fun, covering more than 600 miles and passing through 25 Amerindian villages, from Georgetown to the beautiful Orinduik Falls. They also experienced the Rupununi Rodeo in Lethem before returning to Georgetown.

The route starts from Georgetown, then through Karasabai, Tiperu, Rukomoto, Morabaiko, Yurong Paru, Monkey Mountain, Paramakatoi, Kato, Kurukubaru, and Itabac, ending at the foot of the Pakaraima Mountain Range. In the 11 years of the safari so far, over 600 persons have

CAL to add fourth weekly non-stop flight to New York

Guyanese passengers who frequent the Georgetown to New York route will be delighted to learn that Caribbean Airlines (CAL) on Tuesday announced that it will add a fourth weekly non-stop flight to the John F Kennedy (JFK) Airport, New York, beginning May 5.

This announcement comes less than three months after the decision by Delta Airlines to bring its service to an end in Guyana.

Guyana Times was told that the service will be operated by the company’s 767-300 ER and will also be joined on May 10 by a second weekly non-stop service to Toronto.

CAL Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Robert Corbie in a recent statement said his company has responded “proactively” to the need to fill the void created by Delta’s pull-out from Guyana.

He stated that CAL will continue to demonstrate its commitment to the Guyanese and overseas-based Guyanese who travel frequently. Corbie said Guyana continues to be a very important market for the airline.

It was also explained that with summer approaching, there will be another additional daily flight to the New York route. The statement said CAL operates a core schedule of 85 flights per week from the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) to the Caribbean and North America.

On February 14, Delta Airlines confirmed that it would no longer offer its service to Guyana effective May 6 of this year. Delta has been operating direct flights between Georgetown and New York since 2008.

“Delta Airlines will close its station in Georgetown, Guyana, discontinuing flights between the John F Kennedy International Airport and the Cheddi Jagan International Airport effective May 6, 2013, due to poor performance of the route,” Corporate Communications in Latin America and Caribbean, General Manager Sarah Lora had told media.

She explained that while Delta would prefer to continue serving the market, flights between Georgetown and New York’s JFK International Airport had experienced a significant decline in passenger loads and revenues for the past 18 months.

This resulted in the company suffering unsustainable losses. Delta’s exit is a blow for airlift into the country following the collapse of EZjet last year, which had also serviced the New York to Georgetown route.

Guyana to be showcased at trade show in North America

Guyana will once again showcase its beauty and potential at this year’s Trade Show and Tourism Exhibition slated for June 21-23 in Toronto, Canada and June 28-30 in New York.

The main objective of the expo is to give overseas-based Guyanese and other interested parties the opportunity to see the products and services that are now available for sale, investment, and development.

The event, which will also highlight Guyana’s tourism potential, is slated to add to the celebration and observance of Guyana’s 47th independence anniversary. Participants will be selected from all sectors within the various service industry, including banking, building, manufacturing, hospitality, tourism, trade, housing development, transport, and public services.

They are expected to provide information to those who may be interested in purchasing land, extending property, establishing bank accounts, and acquiring loans, information on taxes, rates, national insurance, trade and investment possibilities.

This three-day event, which will be given publicity around the world, will give Guyana an opportunity to present itself as never before. Guyana Times was told that the Guyana Trade Show and Exposition will give every sector in the Guyanese economy an opportunity to showcase each individual business operation and their ability to provide information that is quite often difficult to obtain in normal circumstances.

It will also provide a platform for manufacturers to showcase their products while setting the stage for the establishment of a supply chain for their products and services.

Bankers will have the opportunity to interact with customers who have issues and questions in relation to accounts, and persons seeking to get their retirement or other funds transferred home. Hoteliers and tour operators will be able to highlight their facilities and packages, while the housing developers will also get the opportunity to market their brands.

The public service sector will be able to provide first-hand information through agents from agencies such as the Guyana Revenue Authority, Guyana Power & Light Inc, the National Insurance Scheme, the Mayor and City Council of Georgetown, and Housing and Water Ministry.

Guyana wins major regional heritage protection award

The National Trust of Guyana will continue assiduously in its work to preserve the country’s heritage for generations to come, its chief executive officer Nirvana Persaud declared as the organisation showcased the award it won in the regional tourism award ceremony in Trinidad and Tobago.

The National Trust won the Caribbean Tourism Organisation/ TravelMole’s Heritage Protection Caribbean Award on April 18 at the ceremony during the 14th Caribbean Sustainable Tourism Conference.

At a media briefing where the award was displayed, Persaud said it is given to agencies which demonstrate preservation of national heritage and specifically pass on the cultural traditions and skills; document, educate, and conserve these; as well as communicate such actions to local stakeholders.

The CEO disclosed that the organisation is currently working on disseminating knowledge to the younger generation and had implemented a children’s initiative in 2011, which saw two annual programmes being held to teach them about the various aspects of Guyana’s heritage during the July vacation.

Persaud noted that works are also underway preserving historical sites, such as the forts, three of which are managed by the National Trust. She stated that maintenance and infrastructural works is expected to be done at Fort Zeelandia, Fort Kyk-Over-Al, Fort Nassau, and the Hogg Island Dutch Mill.

She also spoke about other works the National Trust has undertaken, such as at the Information Centre at the 1763 Monument and the Heritage Guyana Magazine, whose second edition is expected to hit shelves in the latter part of this year. She noted that the magazine will focus on both the intangible and tangible heritage of Guyana.

Culture Minister Dr Frank Anthony applauded the National Trust for winning the award, noting that the organisation has been doing great work, most of which has been unrecognised.

“This award is testimony to the good work the National Trust has been doing over the past years, and we are pleased to have been recognised across the Caribbean for the excellent work in preserving our heritage,” said the minister. “We will continue to do our work and will continue to extend it.”

“It is good that when we submit the quantum of work over the years in the Caribbean, people can recognise it… a lot of what we have been doing is not only preserving Guyana’s heritage, but by extension, preserving the heritage of the Caribbean,” he said.

The minister acknowledged that while much work has been done, there is still a long way to go. He disclosed that the Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry is looking to have sites in Georgetown listed under the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).

The minister said owners of the older buildings in Georgetown are in a “rush to have modern development or modern buildings” and, by doing so they are erasing a substantial part of Guyana’s history, which is one of the challenges in preserving local heritage.

Dr Anthony said that to correct this, his ministry is advocating for a designated area in Georgetown to be made a heritage site. “So now the people who own these buildings would not be able to arbitrarily knock them down, and instead keep them preserved for future generations,” added the minister.

Aracari Resort launches ‘Vacation Guyana’ manual: --geared at directing, informing tourists

AT a simple but impressive ceremony held on Thursday, management of the Aracari Resort at 160 Versailles, West Bank Demerara (Region 3) launched their long-anticipated ‘Vacation Guyana’ publication, which is reportedly designed to inform and guide visiting tourists to Guyana. Speaking at that ceremony, Aracari Resort’s CEO, Sase Shewnarain, said the eight-page supplement was initiated because he feels that tourism is important to Guyana and the publication will serve as a booster, since it will keep tourists informed.

He added that ‘Vacation Guyana’ is a complete directory to assist tourists and Guyanese, since it offers detailed and extensive information on businesses and hospitality entities.

Shewnarain described ‘Vacation Guyana’ as indeed an exciting insight into how Guyana should be enjoyed, and said the publication is intended to further the cause of tourism and all resorts in Guyana.

Duke Lodge’s Captain Gerry Gouveia, as special guest at the launch, said the publication is important and affordable, and offers all businesses in Guyana affordable opportunities for advertising. He said tourism caused his business to expand and grow, and he urged all Guyanese to tell the world of Guyana’s beauty and potential.

He also described the publication as another positive method of effectively marketing Guyana, one which can assist to create jobs for Guyanese in the long run, even as he opined that the publication should be distributed locally and internationally.

Addressing the gathering, Guyana Tourism Authority’s Executive Director Indranauth Haralsingh indicated that his organisation was pleased to be associated with the venture. He congratulated the Aracari Resort on the initiative, said the publication is very flexible and adaptable, and opined it was launched at a time when Guyana was celebrating another historical year of Indian Arrival in Guyana.

He called the publication dynamic, relevant, and very user-friendly; and urged that it be made available on application for mobile phones. He indicated that the Tourism Ministry fully supports ‘Vacation Guyana’, and will assist in its distribution; and he called on Corporate Guyana and all tourism stakeholders to support the publication and advertise in it.

Renaissance Advertising Agency’s Vidya Binda, a very vibrant figure behind the realization of the publication, applauded its eventual success and urged other business to come on board.

‘Vacation Guyana’, as a monthly publication, will see periodic increases in the numbers being published.

Tourist arrivals set to reach new high this year

The number of tourists visiting Guyana this year is expected to reach a new high as the country is set to top the 34-member Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) in tourist arrivals for 2013.

This is according to Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) Director Indranauth Haralsingh, who said Guyana is expecting to see a 20 per cent increase in tourist arrivals in the country this year.

This is attributed to the fact that starting this year, the GTA will commence collecting data on arrivals from the various points of entry into the country and not primarily at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA). The other points include the Ogle International Airport, Lethem, Moleson Creek and Bartica.

In 2013 thus far, visitor arrivals have increased by 8.9 per cent compared to the corresponding period last year. Haralsingh noted in March, there was a 33 per cent increase in arrivals from last year.

“Approximately 18,340 visitors came into the country for this month compared to 13,794 in 2012.”

He said Guyana is expected to again lead the 34-member Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) in terms of percentage increase in arrivals, adding that thus far, Guyana is ahead of the other countries in the grouping.

“This is very positive and at the same time very encouraging… it is a good indicator of what could come for this year, despite the fact that EZjet and Redjet have pulled out of the market and the threat of Delta Airlines pulling out of the market as well.”

The United States is currently leading in tourist arrivals to Guyana, followed by Canada, the Caribbean and Europe.

Haralsingh emphasised that often times people do not recognise the key impact that increased tourist arrivals have on the country and the economy, underscoring that it means the creation of more job opportunities, foreign investment, expenditure and revenue flow.

“This is healthy for any economy and it is a good thing that the tourist arrivals in Guyana is growing.”

Meanwhile, the GTA director expressed disappointment over the CJIA project cut, explaining that the upgrade of the airport would have a greater impact on the country’s tourism sector.

He said the airport is the driver for economic and tourism development and is also the foundation for tourism expansion and connectivity to other parts of worlds.

“Airports and air transport is at the very heart of travel and tourism.”

The CJIA project is a transformational initiative which is part of Guyana’s strategic vision and priority for tourism, he stated. “We see the CJIA airport project as being a catalyst for tourism development in Guyana, it is one of the most significant investments for tourism as a whole as well.” Haralsingh explained that this is so since the airport will provide accessibility essential for a modern economy. He noted that the country inhabits a strategic location in South America, highlighting that the CJIA transformation will serve as a major hub for regional and international air transport linkages as it will help Guyana to attract many other international carriers since the runway would be expanded and improved and the facilities would be updated to meet world class standards.

“By shutting down the process… it’s like shutting out Guyana’s access to international and regional business people and at the same time shutting out numerous opportunities for trade, travel and tourism,” Haralsingh said, hoping that the cut to the CJIA allocation will be reversed.

Visitors treated to Arrival Day welcome at CJIA

Hundreds of visitors arriving in Guyana were on Sunday treated to a special Arrival Day welcome at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), Timehri, East Bank Demerara.

Passengers, who arrived on Caribbean Airlines flights from the United States, Canada, and Trinidad were greeted by Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) staff dressed in traditional Indian attire and a taste of traditional East Indian cuisine, particularly sweet meats.

The exercise was a collaborative effort between the Tourism, Industry and Commerce Ministry, the GTA and the CJIA. Bollywood playback singers Alka Yagnik and Udit Narayan, along with their band members, and other regional artists and dancers were also welcomed at the airport.

GTA Director Indranauth Haralsingh said Guyana is a multiethnic, multicultural country, second to none in the world with a breathtaking landscape of lush rainforest and amazing wildlife.

In this regard, he urged persons visiting Guyana to use the opportunity to explore and be part of this unique fusion as the country celebrates the 175th anniversary of Indian arrival in Guyana.

He said Arrival Day is a very important occasion for Guyana and “it is a time when we should reflect on our history, where we come from, and further consolidate and work as one people to build the nation we call home”.

East Berbice gears for Expo 2013

East Berbice is gearing for the annual Berbice Expo and Trade Fair for 2013. The Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce, founded in November 2004, hosts the annual Berbice Expo and Trade Fair. The 2013 Expo would be the ninth consecutive Trade Fair to be held by the Chamber. An official of the Chamber said that the Chamber has begun preparations for the event which is to be held on the last weekend in July with high expectations of it being a bigger and better Expo. The launch of the preparations for Berbice Expo 2013 is to be held Wednesday at the Albion Estate Senior Staff

Compound, Albion Corentyne Region Six (East Berbice /Corentyne) beginning at 3 p.m. The official said that the idea of the expo is not only to enable businesses to sell items and make money but to build contacts and access newer markets as well as showcasing the standard of products Guyana has to offer. He disclosed that there will be live nightly entertainment as well as stand-up comedy. Security will be at a premium during the duration of the event.

European tour operators wrap up fam trip

The British High Commission on Monday evening hosted a debriefing session and reception for a group of European tour operators who have just completed a familiarisation (fam) trip to Guyana. Several additional distributors will now be selling Destination Guyana following this trip.

The familiarisation trip is the most proactive, cost-effective method of marketing Destination Guyana, and helps to expand sales and distribution. The fam trip was organised by Wilderness Explorers, in collaboration with the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) and Caribbean Airlines. The event was hosted at the British High Commissioner’s residence, Bel Air Gardens.

Among the highly regarded tour operators that took part were: Exodus Travel, Into Latin America, Chameleon Worldwide, Kuoni, Happy Lama Travel, and Kabalebo (Suriname). Additionally, a senior member of Caribbean Airlines’ London travel office also took part.

There has been a nine per cent increase in the number of tourists who have visited Guyana thus far in 2013, following the 17 per cent increase in 2012.

Wilderness Explorers has been organising familiarisation trips for several years. It brings together tourist agents and investors from around the world to showcase Guyana.

These trips have been the driving factor in having companies feature tours to Guyana.

British High Commissioner Andrew Ayre said the United Kingdom has always been interested in Guyana and its economic development, and as such has been generously contributing money in development assistance to Guyana each year. This contribution also includes providing 15 per cent of the money to the largest aid donor, the European Union.

Europe and North America remain Guyana’s largest trade and development partners, with more than 20 times of Guyana’s exports going to these developed markets than China and India combined. More than 75 per cent of the tourists that visit Guyana come from the developed world.

GTA Director Indranauth Haralsingh complimented and congratulated Wilderness Explorers for putting together the trip in partnership with Caribbean Airlines and other stakeholders.

He said that it was recognised that many companies are not participating in the travel trade distribution system and more of them are relying on direct marketing through the Internet. He urged more tourism operators and resort owners to come onboard because the fam trip will boost the tourism sector and achieve wonders for Guyana.

Haralsingh also acknowledged that one of the major problems for Destination Guyana is its image. Guyana is not a very well-known or popular country and, many have not heard of it. However, the fam trip will aid in this respect, because most of the tour operators who participated in this trip were pleased and when they return home, they will publish Guyana in their catalogues, which will be distributed to thousands. The visitors were given a complete tour of the country, having spent nine days touring the different regions. They were able to experience the beautiful rainforest, visit the Roy Geddes museum, traverse the Iwokrama Canopy walkway, and savour the beauty of Rewa, Rock View, and of course the majestic Kaieteur falls.

Essequibo Town Day celebrations billed for August 23-25

THE Interim Management Committee of the Anna Regina Town Council in collaboration with the Essequibo business community and other stakeholders have fixed August 23-25 for Town Day celebrations.According to reports, the IMC-led council and members of the Essequibo business community met at a special meeting on Thursday to discuss plans for Anna Regina Town Day. Chairman of the IMC, Toolsie Narine thanked the business community for coming on board and supporting the idea of a Town Day for Anna Regina. Vice Chairman of Region 2, Vishnu Samaroo said that the idea of holding a Town Day in Region 2 is a very good one and he supported several ideas put forward by members of the business community and other stakeholders that will lead to the success of the activity. Representative of the Essequibo Technical Institute [ETI] and Banks DIH, Raul Pearce said the Town Day activity is long overdue on the Essequibo Coast and pointed out that it is not an expenditure for the town but an investment where the council can benefit in terms of millions of dollars. A stakeholder in the town, Baney Persaud said that with good planning the Town Day can be a great success. Several business owners at the meeting called for the wider community beyond the boundaries of the town to be involved in Town Day activities. Meanwhile, a management committee to look at the planning of activities for the three-day event was set up. Those selected to sit on the committee are Vice Chairman of the IMC Harry Persaud, Raul Pearce, Rajendra Prabhulall, Gary Williams, Ganesh Jaigobin, Walcott [only name given], Baney Persaud and Region 2 Vice Chairman, Vishnu Samaroo. The committee will be supported by Town Clerk, Diana Critchlow, IMC Chairman, Toolsie Narine, a representative of the Police, IMC councillors and stakeholders in the town and staff of the council. Some of the activities suggested for the Town Day celebrations are an interfaith service, exhibition, cultural activities, day of sports, pageant show, photographic exhibition, setting up of an album of historic sites of the town, Essequibo in concert, a social evening and guided tours to historic sites and other areas. Most of the main activities are expected to be held on the car park tarmac and a grand ceremony is being planned for the opening of Town Day.

THAG endorses Marriott Hotel

The Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) has endorsed the Marriott project, saying it welcomes and fully supports the introduction of such an international brand hotel in Guyana.

THAG said in a statement that it believes that the introduction of the Marriott as a flagship hotel will encourage international investor and international airline interest in Guyana and will prove to be a considerable asset to promoting Guyana as a tourism destination.

The statement was issued after members of THAG met with acting Tourism Minister Irfaan Ali on Thursday and discussed the active collaboration between the ministry, the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) and the association in furthering the development of Guyana as a premier tourist destination.

The statement said the association received a comprehensive briefing from the minister on the current plans in place by government with regard to the promotion of Guyana as a tourist destination.

The association pledged its full support to the government. The association specifically acknowledged the need for enhanced international class hotel accommodation and increased airline passenger services.

During the meeting, the members of THAG also highlighted the importance of government taking urgent steps to address the challenge of solid waste disposal and the restoration of Guyana’s capital city as a tourist attraction, as well as taking steps to improve in the security sector.

Located in Kingston, Georgetown, the 197-room Marriott Hotel in Guyana will overlook the breezy Atlantic Ocean and will boast a large ballroom, conference centre, a casino, entertainment complex, restaurant, concrete walkway, swimming pool, sports facilities and all other amenities to outfit a world-class facility.

On the western end is situated the night club and casino while on the eastern end is the ballroom. There are about 30 rooms on either side of each floor with a presidential suite on the tenth and final floor.

The project began in December 2009 when a letter of intent was executed between Atlantic Hotel Inc and Marriott. The public-private partnership project is expected to transform the hospitality landscape in Guyana, while at the same time encouraging more travel and tourism development for the country.

Local investment magazine launched

As Guyana continues to take steps to invest in its infrastructure and create an environment which encourages investment, a new annual magazine dubbed “Invest Guyana” was launched on Thursday evening at Duke Lodge. The publication is geared towards creating more awareness about the opportunities available here.

The magazine was conceptualised and designed by its writer and publisher Lokesh Singh and international business consultant Sandra-Ann Baptiste.

President Donald Ramotar, in delivering the keynote address, described the magazine as an excellent publication. He said the magazine is a welcome and gratifying contribution towards promoting business, trade and investment opportunities.

He stated that in recent years, Guyana has attracted unparalleled attention from local, regional, and international investors, and attributed this to the sound state of Guyana’s macroeconomic policies.

President Ramotar said Guyana has enjoyed sustained stability via its exchange rate and low inflation rate, as well as through interest rates which have increased lending opportunities. These, coupled with a reasonable Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and healthy foreign reserves, have allowed the country to make increased investment in the physical and social infrastructure to support private investment and boost economic growth.

Economic framework

The head of state said the local business community continues to do very well, citing a recent survey of the local commercial business community, which revealed that more than 91 per cent earned a profit last year. This, he said, shows the dynamism of Guyana’s economy and the rewards it has been yielding for entrepreneurs here, based on the policy of a sound economic framework.

Ramotar recalled that there were times in the past when local businesses were barely surviving, with little hope of expanding and making a sound profit. However, today both large and small businesses are expanding. “There is an unsurpassed level of confidence in the Guyanese economy. We have achieved so much and have done this, even in the face of an unfavourable external environment,” he said.

Expected growth

Guyana’s financial forecast remains highly favourable and the president said his government remains upbeat about this. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has predicted growth of 5.5 per cent in 2013 and six per cent in 2014.

The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has also predicted growth in Guyana’s economy, but Ramotar said, despite these predictions, businesses should encourage greater and more diverse investment to maintain, and possibly surpass, this.

“I believe there remains tremendous potential for investment in non-traditional areas, such as tourism and agri-business,” he said. “I believe that we are enjoying robust economic growth… that this is time for us to make the investment that will open up new poles of growth in the recent future.”

Government, he asserted, has already started the process by which this can be achieved and is shaping Guyana to become a modern economy – one that is diverse and continually develops.

Infrastructure

The head of state pointed to several key infrastructural projects such as the Cheddi Jagan International Airport expansion initiative and the Amaila Falls Hydro Electric Project, among others. He said these projects are important for Guyana, as they will allow the economy to reach new and higher levels of development.

The president also disclosed that Guyana will be moving to partner with Air China and two major U.S. airlines to develop greater trade relations.

Ramotar noted that Guyana also needs to create a highly qualified workforce and work to remove the existing barriers that restrict exports. “I am confident that within the next two years that the institutional mechanisms that are geared toward facilitating investment and improving local competition will be improved to attract more investment,” he said.

Meanwhile, Private Sector Commission (PSC) Chairman Ronald Webster also lauded the move to create such a magazine. Webster strongly believes that such a magazine is needed in Guyana.

He said the PSC remains committed to building, with other stakeholders, an investment climate that will attract both domestic and foreign investment. This, he said, will in turn create employment opportunities and further develop Guyana’s growing economy.

Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana David Devine also commended the move and gave his country’s commitment to work with government, industry, and other stakeholders to promote and protect investment here. Devine said the magazine is already raising standards, adding that it seeks to inform and inspire all who pursue, and invest in, their dreams and livelihoods, while also providing sound advice and analysis on trends in the local business environment.

Major Asian, North American airlines offered invitations to ply Guyana – President Ramotar

The Guyana Government has made initial approaches to reputable Asian and North American and neighbouring South American airlines in the ongoing effort to broaden the range of commercial air services operating the Guyana route.

Among them is JetBlue Airways Corporation an American low-cost airline headquartered in the Long Island neighbourhood of New York City, which according to President Donald Ramotar, is awaiting the completion of the airport runway extension

The extension of the runway to a total of 10,800 to accommodate large transatlantic aircraft, forms part of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) expansion project that is now delayed after the political opposition used their one seat majority to cut the entire air transport allocation.

Among the areas hampered is expansion of the Ogle International Airport that was only recently upgraded to a regional class facility and it located in geographic vicinity apt for people and business link advantages in the Caribbean and South America.

The Government is optimistic nevertheless that the development plans for the air transport sector will allow for expansion of traditional trade ties with North America and Europe while simultaneously broadening the relationship with major economies such as Brazil, India, Russia and China.

President Ramotar who has vowed to do all in his powers to restore the $31B cut from this year’s national budget, told stakeholders gathered at the launch of the “Invest Guyana” magazine about the approaches that have been made to Air China and two major US airlines to fly the Guyana route.

Suriname Airways, which reentered the commercial skies in April last year after for a period of six years, was asked to consider flying additional routes when President Ramotar met Vice President of Suriname Airways Clyde Cairo during the 24th Inter-Sessional Meeting of Heads of Government of CARICOM in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.

The airline resumed with twice weekly flights from Paramaribo to Georgetown and flights to Toronto, Canada. Cairo, had noted that there are options which the Airline will examine but that such decisions hinges on discussions at the level of the “board.”

Trinidad’s Caribbean Airlines was recently granted flag carrier status allowing it to conduct direct flights between Georgetown and New York, Georgetown and Toronto.

Its service to Guyana has been loyal over the years, coming to the rescue last year with seating for passengers who were left stranded after the now defunct EzJet faced a sudden suspension following fraud charges against its executive.

Its other competitor RedJet ended operations after facing feasibility trouble and more recently, Delta Airlines ended its operations in Guyana on claims of route profitability challenges which the government disproved.

Work commences on implementation of rating system for Hotels, Restaurants The Ministry of Tourism is currently in the process of putting together recommendations on the guiding

principles of a rating system for local Hotels and Restaurants.

This was disclosed by Tourism Minister Irfaan Ali, during a recent press conference held to outline the

Ministry’s plans for the first quarter of 2013.

The system is expected to enhance the quality of services offered by existing and upcoming hospitality

facilities in Guyana, thus improving Guyana’s entire tourism product.

Ali explained to reporters that if the country wants to see an increase in the arrival of tourists, things need to be of a

certain standard. This he said, will not only help visitors in choosing places for accommodation, meals, entertainment etc,

but it will also prompt such places to raise their standards, allowing for a healthy competition, which will ultimately lead

to better quality.

“Considerable emphasis will be placed on regularizing the service providers in this sector, continuing what the Ministry

began in 2012. A special committee of both public and private sector representatives was formed to specifically consult

service providers towards establishing standards”.

In addition to this, the Ministry also has plans to implement the “food critic system”. Executive Director of the Guyana

Tourism Authority (GTA), Indranauth Singh, had explained that the GTA is hoping to have the various newspapers come

on board in making the initiative a success.

This would see qualified persons visiting restaurants and hotels to assess not only the taste of the food, but also the kind of services being offered- (courtesy of staff, sanitation, pace at which the services are offered, etc), and then give their honest review of it in the newspaper. Initially, Ali had pointed out that his Ministry was working towards ensuring that the service quality is improved across the board. “We have 199 operators, guides, and properties registered so far; 87 hotels, 64 tour guides, 30 tour operators and 18 lodges and resorts. Our intentions are to ensure that these facilities would be held to certain standards and to have some waiting systems implemented sometime this year,” Ali pointed out. Hence, the training programmes which commenced last year in the field of Tourism and Hospitality will be expanded,

while new ones are expected to be implemented. This also includes tutoring tourism staff, as well as Immigration and Customs Officers to speak Portuguese and Spanish, thus bridging the communication barrier with other countries in South America.

Fly Jamaica gets greenlight for New York, Toronto routes The Jamaica-based Fly Jamaica Airline has been given the green light to fly the Georgetown to New York and Toronto routes. This announcement was made by Cabinet Secretary Dr. Roger Luncheon on Wednesday. "Cabinet granted its approval to

Fly Jamaica, the airline to operate the Georgetown/New York and the Georgetown/Toronto routes. The approval came after the standard evaluative procedures by the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority and the recommendation to Cabinet by Public Works Minister Robeson Benn," he told a news conference. Fly Jamaica’s Chief Executive Officer, Paul Ronald Reece told Demerara Waves Online News (www.demwaves.com) that he could not immediately say when flights would begin to and

from Guyana. Director General of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Zulfikar Mohammed said the airline still has to apply to his regulatory agency for a Foreign Operator’s Specifications by using the Air Operators Certificate that was granted by Jamaica last September. Now that Cabinet has granted approval, the GCAA has to formally notify the carrier which is being managed by a team of veteran civil aviation experts from both Guyana and Jamaica. Mohammed said Fly Jamaica also has to lodge a GUY$40 million bond, a financial facility that is usually used by Guyanese authorities to help refund passengers should an airline decide to shut down operations. It was not immediately clear whether the airline had acceded to requests by the Guyana government for financial records. The approval comes just about one month after Delta Airlines ceased flying the New York route because according to that carrier, it was no longer profitable to do so. Aviation experts noted that the profitability of Fly Jamaica would depend heavily on the fact that at least one of the flights would have to pass through the carrier’s home-base, Jamaica.

Guyana Tourism Authority National Exhibition Center

Sophia, Georgetown Guyana.

Tel: 592 219 0094-6 Fax: 592 219 0093

Email: info@guyana-tourism.com Web: www.guyana-tourism.com

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Iwokrama Canopy Walkway