President of the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG), Mitra Ramkumar, said the local tourism sector offers Guyana a unique opportunity to market itself on the world stage.
According to Ramkumar, the sector could be the face of the nation as it seeks to position itself as a viable force within the global economy.
Speaking on Ignite Insights, Ramkumar pointed to sports and events tourism as fast-growing segments of the industry. He noted that, alongside the established eco-tourism product, the industry continues to offer a variety of experiences to visitors and serves as a platform to promote the nation to those seeking business and other investment opportunities.
“In my previous term I would have said that I believe that the tourism industry should be the new frontier industry for Guyana, in that, it could be the face of Guyana, and the difference now that we didn’t have then is that we have the resources to get it done, and I believe that is the game changer,” Ramkumar said.
He noted that what tourism now calls for are serious investments and a mindset from all involved that the sector is viable and sound, and can take Guyana to higher heights. He said Guyana is already on such a trajectory and the industry could put the spotlight on the nation as a place where everyone wants to visit.
Ramkumar recognised that Dubai, for example, built a highly desirable tourist destination in the desert. He said there is no reason why Guyana cannot use its assets and creativity to make the country one of the most desirable places in the world to visit.
“We have so much in our favour,” he asserted, “we have the majestic Kaieteur Falls, we have these beautiful eco lodges, these untouched places, in any one of the regions and counties you go to you are amazed of what God has given us as a country, so why not use this and make Guyana… one of the most attractive countries to visit in the world where you could come have all the events, sports tourism all of these and it can all be done in one place.”
The THAG president was firm that Guyanese and the various authorities must work together to promote Guyana as this desirable destination—safe, clean, and accommodating.
