Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) President, Mitra Ramkumar, is keen on growing the membership of the organisation and building relationships with key players in the oil and gas sector.
Recognising the sector’s influence on the growing tourism industry, Ramkumar—re-elected as THAG President for the third time—told Ignite News that he listens keenly to the concerns of the membership to understand what more must be done in furtherance of their development.
“When I was elected on Friday, I said to the membership that THAG is a business support organisation and our main focus is to help the membership, to the betterment of the tourism and hospitality industry, and so I need to hear from them what is affecting their business in any way.”
“THAG is there to support and liaison and to negotiate with government, non-government organisations so anything that is affecting the membership and their business, THAG would address,” he said.
Ramkumar explained that, as an organisation, coming together as a membership gives the group a platform and the strength to negotiate and add their voices to the development of the industry and the businesses involved.
Particularly where the oil and gas industry is concerned, Ramkumar said the two sectors go hand in hand, with growing employment and other opportunities arising for the tourism industry.
“I also said that in my previous term the oil and gas industry meshes well with the tourism and hospitality industry… because the two industries work hand in hand. So while the oil and gas industry is highly skilled, highly mechanised… the tourism and hospitality industry is a labour-intensive industry and it provides employment and opportunities for people at every skill level.”
Ramkumar reiterated the need to ensure and support a competent and advanced tourism sector that complements the local oil and gas industry. He said the country is in a better position to receive the resources and recognition necessary to build a thriving and lucrative tourism industry in Guyana.
